The Port of Valencia has set sights on building a container terminal of the future, capable of handling ultra large containerships of up to 24,000 TEU.
The port’s board of directors has given the green light to the project which paves the way for calling of the tender for the construction and operation of the facility, which once built would be the fourth and largest container terminal at the port.
The port’s existing three terminals are Noatum Terminal, MSC Valencia Terminal and APM Terminals.
The initiative is in line with the anticipated container traffic growth at the port of Valencia by 2050.
The project has been described as a greenfield development, suitable for the concept of an automated terminal, as the port insists the terminal would have to be equipped with the latest technology for sustainable operations.
Anther prerequisite is excellent connectivity to the import/export and transit markets, enabling the terminal to position itself within the mixed port market.
The port authority said it would provide the future concession holder with a berthing line of up to 1,970 m long with a draft of 20 metres alongside and throughout the dock, an adjacent compacted yard of some 137 hectares, as well as a maritime access channel with a draft of 22.50 m.
The quay would be granted under a concession of 35 years for partial concession occupancy bids, with the possibility of extension up to 50 years. Another option is a 50-year long concession for bids that envisage full occupation of the quay and the adjacent area necessary for the proposed terminal.
The terminal must cover a minimum of 800 m. of berthing line and 49 hectares, and has to be at least semi-automated. The contract for construction of the terminal is expected to be awarded in July 2019.
World Maritime News Staff