EPSA modifies bidding strategy for Outer Port in San Antonio

Union leaders from the San Antonio port system met with the General Manager of Empresa Portuaria San Antonio (EPSA), Fernando Gajardo, to learn about the progress of the company's main projects and the new bidding strategy for the Outer Port.

During the meeting, which was also attended by EPSA's Acting Sustainability and Public Affairs Manager, Consuelo Cánaves, the executive explained that the process involves separating the bidding for the breakwater from that corresponding to the enabling works. Gajardo also emphasized that this modification does not alter the roadmap or the project's overall schedule.

The meeting also addressed matters related to port security, upcoming concession processes, and technical studies aimed at increasing the port's operational capacity in the face of wave and weather conditions. The objective is to gradually advance towards safe operations with waves up to 2.5 meters.

"This work allows us to maintain a joint agenda with the workers and provide clarity on various important issues, such as how we are approaching the new bidding processes. It is important for us that port workers are calm and know that the Outer Port is moving forward and there are no changes to its overall schedule. The new formula will also allow for faster progress on some works and socio-environmental measures that are important for the community," said Fernando Gajardo.

The secretary of the Federation of Stevedores and Federated Port Workers (Estraporfed) of DP World San Antonio, Jorge Salazar, appreciated that "what was communicated during the week generated concern in the port community and in the territory. But knowing that the Outer Port will continue on the same schedule leaves us calm and allows us to provide the information correctly. We also view positively that works related to social development and measures approved by the environmental authority can be expedited."

"The messages were positive and our concerns diminished. It leaves us calm to know that there will be no delays, that the projects will follow their roadmap, and that the Outer Port continues as it was conceived from the beginning. For us, it is fundamental to protect jobs and think about the jobs that will be generated for future generations of San Antonio," affirmed the president of the Federation of Port Workers of San Antonio Terminal Internacional (Fetraporsati), Patricio Fredes.