APM Terminals signs Lazaro Cardenas contract
After winning a tender on December 15, 2011, APM Terminals has now signed a 32-year concession contract with the Port Authority of the Port of Lazaro Cardenas for the design, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of a new specialised container terminal at the port, Cargonews Asia reports.
APM Terminals will start construction by September of this year. The first phase will be completed in 2015, costing over US$300 million.
The terminal will undergo a phased expansion in accordance with provisions stipulated in the concession agreement. The entire project will require an investment of over $900 million.
"This agreement shows our confidence in the future of the Mexican market. Our investment and expertise will help transform the nation’s competitiveness through an efficient, integrated port and inland service network. We look forward to working closely with Mexican leaders and applaud their timing and vision for this vital infrastructure project”, said J D Nielsen, managing director, APM Terminals Lazaro Cardenas.
APM Terminals has signed a design build contract with one of the major contractors in Mexico, Empresas ICA. ICA is also minority shareholder in the concessionaire company.
In phase one, a new 43 hectare container yard and 650m quay will be built. Additional works will include an administration building, warehouse, gates, and modern on-dock rail facilities to accommodate the growing volumes of intermodal traffic.
Equipment in the first phase will include seven super-post-Panamax ship-to-shore gantry cranes (23 container reach), as well as electrical yard cranes (E-RTGs) and other specialised equipment.
Once the final phase is completed, the terminal will offer a total area of 102 hectares, with 1,485m of quay, and water depth along the channel and quay of 16.5m.