PORT OF LE HAVRE INVITES BIDDERS FOR “PORT 2000” COMPLEX

PORT OF LE HAVRE INVITES BIDDERS FOR “PORT 2000” COMPLEX

PORT OF LE HAVRE INVITES BIDDERS FOR “PORT 2000” COMPLEX

   The Port of Le Havre Authority has invited interested parties to bid for the container terminal superstructure development and operation of six new container berths of its “Port 2000” expansion program.
   The port of Le Havre said that it plans to entrust private operators with the operation of the container terminals of Port 2000 under “terminal operating agreements.”
   The port authority will develop the berths and infrastructures, the rails for the quayside gantries and the unfurnished rear of the terminal to be developed by the future operator.
   The port authority asked interested parties to express an interest by the end of February 2002. Three shipping lines — CMA CGM, Maersk Sealand and Mediterranean Shipping Co. — have already expressed an interest before the formal invitation was issued by the port.
   The future operators of the terminals will be responsible for loading and discharging the container vessels, the management of the container yard with its road, rail and river interfaces, the complete equipment of the terminal,
the surfacing of the container yards, and the provision of all equipment and buildings necessary for operating the terminal.
   To qualify, the bidders will have to provide traffic volume guarantees, evidence that they have the capacity to invest, and information on their strategic interest in Port 2000.
   The port of Le Havre has started the construction of the first phase of Port 2000, which will initially feature four container berths by mid 2004.
Two additional berths will be built by early 2006.