Iquique Port in northern Chile initiates a concession process for a single operator to manage its two terminals, effective 2030.
A new concession process has been initiated at the Port of Iquique, located in northern Chile, which envisions the management of the existing two terminals by a single operator. The publicly owned port company Empresa Portuaria Iquique (EPI) has applied to the Chilean Competition Court to evaluate the new operating model in terms of competitive conditions.
According to a report by Splash247 dated October 15, the new concession agreement is aimed to come into effect in 2030, while the bidding process is planned to take place in 2028.
The two terminals will be transferred to a single operator.
Under the newly prepared concession model, it is anticipated that the two existing terminals of the Port of Iquique will be managed by a single operator.
The proposal submitted by EPI is expected to be reviewed by the Chilean Competition Court, which will assess the impacts of the new operating model on competition.
The new regulation aims to consolidate the terminal operations of the port under a single contract.
The operating period will be 20 years.
The planned concession agreement is expected to come into effect on July 1, 2030.
The new operating contract will initially cover a period of 20 years. Additionally, there will be an option for a 10-year extension if the specified conditions are met.
The bidding process is targeted to take place in 2028.
One of the important trade ports on the Pacific coast.
The Port of Iquique, located in the Tarapacá region of northern Chile, is among the external trade points on the country's Pacific coast.
The port is significant not only for cargo transportation to northern regions of Chile but also for trade with Bolivia and surrounding countries.
The process related to the new concession model will proceed after the evaluation by the Chilean Competition Court. A new operator has not yet been determined, and the bidding has not been finalized.
Capacity increase is planned for Terminal 1.
As part of the new concession arrangement, the expansion of Terminal 1 is included among the mandatory investment conditions. Additionally, it will allow for further investments aimed at increasing cargo handling capacity.
It is noted that the review process by the Competition Court could extend up to 18 months. The bidding may commence after this review is completed.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
