Less than three months after seeking proposals from interested parties to design, operate and maintain a major new marine terminal in South Philadelphia in the United States, the state has announced the shortlist of companies bidding to be involved in the first major expansion of the Port of Philadelphia in 50 years.
These companies were selected based upon responses to the first phase of the proposal process that was issued May 12, 2009 for the construction and operation of the Southport Marine Terminal, which is expected to handle growing international trade.
One of the companies selected was a consortium comprising Delaware River Stevedores (DRS) and Hyundai Merchant Marine America (HMMA). The other team selected was SMT Development Partners, principally comprised of the Spanish-based Obrascon Huarte Lain, with support from worldwide port engineering firm CH2M Hill.
The Southport Marine Terminal project represents the first major expansion of the Port of Philadelphia in 50 years. Located to the south of the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal, it will be supported by three Class One railroads and a network of highways to enhance inter-modal opportunities. In addition, the acreage on the site offers excellent potential for future growth and expansion.
"As the nation's economy slowly emerges from the recession, we are poised to capture a substantial amount of the increasing cargo volumes that will be coming," said John H. Estey, chairman of the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority.
