Israeli tender speculation mounts

Media speculation is rife that one of Europe’s largest operators intends to bid for a build and operate contract for two new terminals at the Israeli ports of Haifa and Ashdod.

The operator concerned, Eurogate, declined to comment when contacted by Port Strategy today, but PS expects many of the major operators to be interested in bidding for the project. The Israeli ports are both well located and serve as a gateway to a stable, growing market.

PS approached a number of international operators to see if any planned to submit bids. PSA and HPH responded to say they would not comment on the issue. No further responses had been received by the press deadline.

Israel Ports Company (IPC) published the first stage of the international tender for operations of the new container terminals, which it says are critical for Israel to remain competitive, back in July.

Dov Frohlinger, chief operating officer, Israel Ports Development & Assets Company Ltd told PS that they are still waiting for pre-qualification request documentation from potential global operators, so “we are not yet sure who will be participating or not.”

IPC says that if the new facilities are not developed vessel waiting times will increase which would cause delays in cargo delivery times.

The tender for the new port projects at Hadarom in Ashdod and Hamifratz in Haifa, which will be built on reclaimed land, is expected to be awarded imminently.

Construction of the new container terminals is set to begin early in 2014.