Delay in Bidding for Enabling Works of San Antonio Outer Port

The San Antonio Port Company (EPSA) reported that the awarding of the enabling works for the Outer Port project will suffer a delay compared to its original schedule.

The postponement is due to the new bidding mechanism announced by the state-owned company to execute the initiative, which divides the tender into two processes: one for the initial works and another for the construction of the breakwater.

It should be noted that this modification rendered the ongoing tender, which was expected to be awarded in the second half of 2026, ineffective.

In a press conference given by the chairman of the EPSA board, Sergio Merino, the new timelines for the project, which has been described by government authorities as "strategic," were announced.

In this regard, the head of EPSA assured that "regarding the deadlines for the bidding of the enabling works, these are relatively simple tasks; we will probably have the award in the second quarter of next year (2027) and the first works will begin at the end of that year."

Furthermore, Merino emphasized that this delay does not mean a change in the roadmap for the San Antonio Outer Port, as the planning for the central work – the breakwater – remains as it was in the previous scheme.

"The fact that we are not starting with the first works this year does not affect the complete development of the project. Here, the important thing we have to work on is when I will be able to move the first TEU; that is the goal, we still maintain the idea that we should be operational by 2036," he indicated.

In addition, Merino assured that "these are very large projects; we try to mitigate cost overruns and schedule delays as much as possible with previous engineering studies, but I cannot guarantee that we will not have delays; if someone assures you that there will be no delays in a project, they are lying to you."

Regarding the companies that were pre-qualified in the tender that was rendered ineffective (seven in total, including consortia and companies), the chairman of the board stated that all were informed of the decision in advance, adding that "in many cases, they told us it was a kind of 'relief', as it is much better for them to concentrate on what they are experts in, such as the construction of breakwaters."

The head of the state-owned company added that "if they want to participate in the new process, it is not necessary for them to submit the same documents."

At the same time, Sergio Merino took the opportunity to call on the community of San Antonio, stating that the new bidding mechanism in no way means that the initiative is stalled.

"This is not an abandonment of the project, I want to be very emphatic, this is what makes the initiative viable and allows us to start even without having all the financing; the enabling works will begin with the CAF loan plus the company's own funds. EPSA's commitment is to be super financially responsible and with our contractors. I cannot sign a contract for which I do not have certainty of how I will finance it."

Finally, regarding the tender for the construction of the breakwater, the senior executive assured that the bidding will open during the first half of 2028.