Israel Ports Development & Assets Company Ltd. (IPC) has published the first stage of an international tender for the operations of two new container terminals to be built in Haifa and Ashdod.
The new ports are part of an Israeli plan to cut the government's role in the economy, give more influence to the private sector and bring down labor costs by confronting unions.
The tender, announced by the Israeli government, is aimed at global operators who will compete for a concession for the operations of Ashdod’s Southport terminal and Haifa’s Bayport terminal.
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.
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.
The winning operator will be expected to complete the terminal development and then equip, operate and maintain the facility for the duration of the contractual period.
The projects will include breakwater extensions and construction, dredging, reclamation and quay construction works. IPC expects to begin construction on the new facilities early next year.
