THE PORT Authority of Trinidad and Tobago has pre-qualified two bidders to advance in the public-private partnership (PPP) process for the Port of Port of Spain.
A Cabinet-appointed committee evaluated six local and international bidders after the Port Authority issued a public invitation to pre-qualify in July 2024.
The Port Authority expects to select a preferred partner in 2025.
The announcement comes as businesses and consumers face heightened concerns over ongoing port delays exacerbated by industrial action and a court injunction. With the holiday season at its peak, many worry about receiving essential shipments on time.
Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan praised the project's progress.
“We have taken a very considered and deliberate approach to this project, following international best practice, to ensure that we make the right choice for the future of the Port of Port of Spain,” he said in a statement, published on PATT’s website on December 10.
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), ALG Global Infrastructure Advisors, and the Global Infrastructure Facility (GIF) provided technical assistance, helping with project structuring, procurement documentation, and financial assessments throughout the bidding process.
Port Authority chairman Lyle Alexander highlighted the project’s significance for the national economy.
“This represents an important step in our strategy to grow the port’s potential and increase its competitiveness by deploying maximum port capacity in a phased manner,” Alexander explained. He said the purpose was to improve the experience for port users, businesses, and the wider national community.
Alexander also commended the quality of submissions, noting the competitive interest reflects the port’s potential as a profitable enterprise.
The proposed PPP initiative follows a build-rehabilitate-operate-transfer (Brot) model with a 25-year concession. Under this structure, the private partner will manage key operations such as container handling, roll-on/roll-off services and general cargo activities. Terminal services, including weighing, cleaning and cargo stuffing, will also fall within the project’s scope.
The next phase involves shortlisted bidders submitting detailed proposals, with the final selection anticipated in 2025. The ministry said the approach aligns with global port management standards, modernising infrastructure, improving operational efficiency, and increasing the port’s competitiveness in regional and international shipping markets.
The PATT says it envisions the PPP as a transformative project that enhances TT’s logistics capabilities while encouraging economic growth through increased trade and investment.
Businesses: Not all rosy
While optimistic about the potential benefits of the PPP, businessman and chairman of the Confederation of Regional Businesses Vivek Charran said he was more concerned about the immediate business challenges, particularly during the holiday season.
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