Tenders on pilot projects for stevedoring company concessions in Olvia and Kherson ports officially announced
On Thursday, September 12th, 2019, tenders on the pilot projects for stevedoring company concessions in the ports of Olvia and Kherson were officially announced, USPA says in a press release. The potential investors are supposed to submit the applications to take part in the concession tenders within 60 days following the second publication in the “Golos Ukrainy” newspaper. The winners of the concession tenders may be announced before the start of 2020.
“The launch of the pilot concession tenders is of particular importance to the port industry of Ukraine. Since now, the opportunities for public-private partnerships in the ports have increased with the concession mechanism being highly recognized in Europe and worldwide. The expected volumes of investments in the development of stevedoring companies of Olvia and Kherson are more than $ 65 million. USPA will become one of the parties to the concession agreements to coordinate the implementation of projects within the framework of the systemic development of the port infrastructure,” — Mr. Raivis Veckagans, Head of USPA, said.
The assets of the state stevedoring company in the port of Olvia are to be transferred into concession for a period of 35 years, and in the port of Kherson — for 30 years. At the same time, they will remain in state ownership to be transferred to the state together with all the facilities to be built or modernized by the investing company during its tenure upon completion of the concession agreements.
The feasibility studies for the pilot projects were conducted by a consortium of international consultants formed by EBRD and IFC. While preparing the feasibility study, a systematic analysis of the market along with financial, technical, environmental and legal expertise were carried out. In addition, meetings with potential domestic and foreign private partners were held in order to take into account their suggestions on the implementation of projects.
“We are grateful to our international partners and the expert team who in collaboration with the USPA representatives participated in preparing the concession projects, as well as to the President, the Cabinet of Ministers and the Ministry of Infrastructure for the support and for the decision which is important to the port industry,” — Raivis Veckagans said.
