IPC announces first stage of international tender for Ashdod’s Southport terminal and/or Haifa’s Bayport terminals

The Israel Ports Company (IPC) has yesterday issued the first stage of an international tender for two new container terminals in Haifa and Ashdod on a build-operate-transfer basis.

The tender, announced by the Israeli government, is aimed at global operators who will compete for a concession for Ashdod’s Southport terminal and/or Haifa’s Bayport terminals.

Built on reclaimed land, both terminals will feature container handling facilities to accommodate EEE class vessels, and when fully completed will boast quay walls measuring 1,600 metres and a depth of 17.3 metres.

Israeli ministers have also agreed upon a mechanism which would allow for a decision within the next three months, which would see the development of only one of the facilities at this time.

The first stage of the tender will result in a list of eligible global operators, who will be selected on a number of factors including container terminal operational experience and financial strength. The operators will then be invited to participate in the second stage competitive bid process.

Concurrent with the operational tender, the IPC has completed the PQ stage for the tender for the construction of the new facilities and is issuing a request for proposal for the required works from the seven firms that have been deemed to meet the minimum criteria to participate in the request for proposal. The works covered include breakwater extensions and construction, dredging, reclamation and quay construction works.

The IPC expects to begin construction on the new facilities early next year.