August 5 - The search for investors for a new Offshore Terminal Bremerhaven (OTB) has entered the next phase.

29 July 2011 was the closing date for companies and consortiums to submit a qualified candidature for the financing, planning, construction and operation of the cargo handling and assembly terminal which is to be built in front of the Weser dyke (Blexer Bogen) over the next few years.

"We have received sufficient candidatures to ensure that there will be real competition for the forthcoming concession award," stated Holger Banik, managing director of bremenports.

In contrast to previous major port construction projects, OTB is not to be financed by public funds, but by a private investor or investment consortium. Banik added, "I am confident that we shall achieve our goal. 
This would be a quantum leap in the execution of major maritime infrastructure projects."

The Senate of the Free Hanesatic City of Bremen - represented by the port management company bremenports - intends to award the planning, construction and operation as well as financing of the future heavy lift terminal for the offshore industry in the form of a "works concession in the water, energy and transport sector".

"We are abiding strictly by the provisions of EU law," explained Banik. This stage was preceded by a pre-qualification phase which began in April and ended on 29 July, the cut-off date for the submission of candidatures.

"The submissions will now be scrutinised in detail and evaluated on the basis of the criteria which were announced to candidates at the start of the process. Candidates which have successfully proved their aptitude will then be asked to submit an initial tender." Banik added.

During the next stage, the initial tenders will be evaluated on the basis of transparent economic and technical contract award criteria. The best tenders will then be selected by a steering committee of state councillors, chaired by Dr. Heiner Heseler, State Councillor for Industry and Ports, which will then conduct negotiations with the preferred tenderers. The selected tenderers will then be asked to submit a final and binding tender and, after meticulous examination, the contract will be awarded to the most economically advantageous tender.

Banik announced that contract award is scheduled for the end of 2012. The concession will be awarded for a term of 30 years. The Offshore Terminal Bremerhaven is expected to pre-assemble and ship up to 160 wind turbines per annum for the offshore wind energy industry.

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