The original deadline for the prequalified groups to present their proposals was 25 June but the Port Authority of Manta has extended the date until 25 August. The Ecuadorean Ministry of Transport and Public Works (MTOP) aims to award the concession contract on 28 October.
The original bidding process for the concession in 2012 was cancelled when no bids were submitted.
Three groups from France, Chile and Peru are prequalified: Bolloré África Logistics, Cosmos Agencia Marítima and the Neltume Marglobal consortium comprising Chilean firm Ultramar and Ecuador's Marglobal.
The 37-year concession is for the expansion of Manta into a deepwater port with a 16.2m draught capable of handling large vessels.
In 2009, Hutchison was forced to withdraw from its concession for the port of Manta, after becoming caught up in a dispute with the Ecuadoran government over the legal terms of its operation of the port and the schedule of investment. Hutchison had won the concession with the promise to invest $1bn and transform the port located on Ecuador’s Pacific coast in a major transhipment terminal.
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