Port of Livorno to publish tender for new container terminal

The Tuscan port unveiled plans for Europa Platform, a new container terminal complex with a 20-meter draft that will be able to handle ultra large containerships.    The Livorno Port Authority announced plans to publish a tender procedure for the design and construction of a new container terminal complex by the end of October in an attempt to find a private operator interested in investing 327 million euros (U.S. $369.65 million) towards the project.
   The project, called the Europa Platform, is expected to cost a total of 800 million euros, according to a statement from the port authority. The Tuscany Regional Administration, Livorno Port Authority and the Italian Government will loan 450 million euros towards the project.
   The Tuscan port, which has a current draft limit of 13 meters, has seen a dramatic increase in container throughput in recent years.
   Europa Platform, which will be able to accommodate ultra large containerships, will have a 2,000-meter long quay and a 20-meter draft. The terminal is expected to receive its first vessel sometime in 2016.
   Situated in northwest Tuscany, the Port of Livorno is a multipurpose port that can handle all types of goods traffic.