Beirut seeks terminal operator
Beirut port authority was due to issue a tender seeking an operator for its new container terminal. The document which has been prepared by US consultants the Cornell Group, envisages a 10-year concession including an option for a further five years. $3m of investment will be mandatory as will a $3m performance bond which will apply for the life of the contract. The terminal is expected to operate at its full 500,000TEU capacity.
At present, container terminals at these ports are divided into completely separate berth operations, often managed by totally distinct stevedoring outfits employing a bewildering variety of loading and handling systems. As part of the new scheme, all these operations will be integrated with the aim of driving down costs by eliminating unnecessary functional duplication.
The tender was to have been issued in September but required financial and technical revisions following objections from maritime officials.