RFP Issued Regarding Hamilton Cargo Docks

September 23, 2019

The City of Hamilton advises the public that a Request For Proposal has been issued regarding the operations of the Hamilton Cargo Docks.

A spokesperson said, “The Port of Hamilton is a dynamic port facility. By supporting cargo ship calls it has become a key component in Bermuda’s chain. Given this importance to the City of Hamilton and the wider Bermudan economy, the efficiency of the port is of ever more importance.

“Without frequent, reliable, and cost-effective shipping services Bermuda will be less competitive. Owing to the remoteness of Bermuda, it is essential our maritime transport connectivity is maintained at optimal levels both in terms of operational and financial performance.”

City Engineer Patrick Cooper said of the RFP, “The port arrangement based on a single stevedoring license to encourage private participation has stood the port and the community well since it was introduced in the 1960’s.

“As we look forward, port competitiveness remains critical and this may require important port improvements to be addressed in future to deliver both operational and cost improvements to safeguard our trading capabilities. It is for this reason that the City of Hamilton will be adjusting the port arrangement from an operational license to a new arrangement that considers the Cargo Docks and the Front Street waterfront berths under a separate arrangement.

“The Cargo Docks will be based on a long-term concession that will include responsibility for security and maintenance of the infrastructure and superstructure components for the entire area of the Cargo Docks Terminal. This adjustment will allow for future improvements to be better planned and implemented.

“As with the previous stevedoring license, the new arrangement will contain safeguards against abuse of the monopoly position but the flexibility gained from a change of this type will allow greater certainty for the concession holder to invest to improve performance and for port users to plan their arrangements for the long term.”

The spokesperson said, “The Front Street waterfront area will be covered by a separate management license restricted to cruise call operations only, while the Cargo Docks area will be contained in the concession agreement. The general Front Street waterfront berths beyond this will be subject to a separate Berth Operational Support Permit. The tendering process for the Front Street waterfront area will be forthcoming.

“Bid packages for the Cargo Docks RFP can be collected from the City’s administrative offices in City Hall. Deadline for submissions is 3:00pm on Thursday, December 19th .

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