- Ecuador


Business News Americas

Three groups have submitted final offers for two concession contracts to upgrade and operate terminals at Ecuador's Puerto Bolivar, a port official told BNamericas Monday (Nov.18).

With the government's clearance, Bolivar port authority (APPB) will select two winners in 15 to 30 days, the official said. Four groups initially expressed interest in the contracts, though APPB has narrowed the list down to the three that submitted final offers: Ecuadorian companies Ecuaestibas and Marglobal as well as engineer Boanerges Pereira.

Port officials will award two 25-year concessions for Terminals 1 and 2 to different operators to foster competition. Terminal 1 will require an estimated investment of US$17.4mn and involves overhauling and enlarging the breakwater pier and repairs to berths 1, 2, and 3, according to preliminary information. Terminal 2 will require an estimated US$26.5mn and includes the construction and operation of berths 5 and 6 and their respective service and support areas.

Bolivar, in El Oro province, is an export gateway for the country's south. The concession process is designed to help it surpass Guayaquil as Ecuador's leading banana exporting port.

Randy Woods