APM to bid for Peru terminal facelift

Dutch company APM Terminals aims to participate in the tender to modernise Muelle Norte terminal at Peru's central Callao port, the firm's regional manager for Latin America, Henrik Pedersen, told BNamericas.

"We will review the tender material and if the project looks attractive we will participate," Pedersen said, adding: "From a location point of view, Callao of course is very interesting for our company."

The project is scheduled to be launched for tender by Peru's private investment promotion agency ProInversion in December. The agency will likely receive bids during the first quarter of 2011.

APM Terminals is one of three firms that have submitted a private initiative to modernise Muelle Norte, presenting a US$1.9 billion initiative in February this year.

Philippine firm International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) and Dubai-based DP World also presented projects.

However, none of the private initiatives were declared of public interest, and a direct concession for the terminal was ruled out. The transport and communications ministry (MTC) decided the port must be operated in partnership with national ports operator Enapu.

The chosen firm will be responsible for modernising the terminal, located in the country's busiest port, and operating it with Enapu over a 30-year period. The project will require an investment of some $549 million, according to the project submitted by national port authority APN.
(Source:www.cargonewsasia.com)