REDEVELOPMENT plans are under way for the expansion of Terminal 2 Espign, Port of Valparaso, with the tender process open until December 20 for a 30-year concession of 30 years.

Chile's largest port, Valparaso handled 973,012 TEU in 2011, up almost 11 per cent year on year with a large proportion of reefer containers from fruit export of which the second container terminal hopes to build of 600,000 to one million TEU.

The estimated investment from Chilean government is between US$325 million and $391 million including equipment.

According to port operator Empresa Portuaria Valparaiso (EPV) the redevelopment bid will take on two basic designs: Plan A, 1,000 metres of berthing line and a total yard area of 21 hectares with Plan B having 725 metres of quay and a yard back up yard of 23.9 hectares. Alternative ideas may be submitted ahead of bid deadline on September 30.

The bidding process is through ASSET Chile and further details on the project can be found at www.terminal2@assetchile.com .