The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) is preparing to launch a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain (DBFOM) procurement process to expand its Contrecœur terminal.
In a statement on 9 July, the MPA said financial support from government, a favourable report from the Canadian Impact Assessment Agency, and a Ministry Decision Statement will allow the project to proceed.
The MPA will now publish a Request for Qualification (RFQ) to national and international industry players for procurement, the authority said.
With the support of Canada Infrastructure Bank and the Government of Quebec, the Port of Montreal and its private partners intend to develop a new state-of-the-art container terminal to handle 1.15 million TEU when completed.
Under the RFQ, national and international consortia will be invited to submit a proposal to enter into a long-term DBFOM agreement for the future terminal.
Operators who took part in the exclusive preliminary discussions are invited to take part in the forthcoming steps of the process.
Interested companies and consortia will need to demonstrate their technical expertise, financial soundness and knowledge of container market development.
Martin Imbleau, President and CEO of the MPA, commented, “Factoring in our timeline, we are proceeding with the development and implementation of the Contrecœur container terminal through this national and international procurement process, which will make it possible for us to identify which consortium offers the best terms and conditions, notably to operate our important project.
“With its industrial zoning and outstanding location near rail and highway access, the future terminal is an exemplary eco-friendly opportunity for a private partner seeking to participate in the growth of the St. Lawrence—Great Lakes Trade Corridor,” Imbleau added.
