The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) expects to sign a contract for development of Map Ta Phut seaport in June because the only bidder -- a consortium led by PTT and Gulf Energy Development -- qualified for all the bidding criteria to win the megaproject.
PTT Tank Terminal Co and Gulf formed a consortium and submitted bid envelopes for the third phase of Map Ta Phut seaport (55.4 billion baht), investing via a public-private partnership.
Somchint Pilouk, the governor of the IEAT, said the bid is being considered and the winner will be announced later this month.
"The bidding committee is in talks with PTT and Gulf about the development plan and the return on investment," she said. "Then the Office of the Attorney-General will consider a draft contract before signing in June."
On Feb 15, PTT and Gulf submitted a bid envelope for the third phase of Map Ta Phut seaport, with the IEAT hosting the project.
Map Ta Phut seaport is one of five megaprojects under the flagship Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) scheme.
PTT, Gulf and China Harbour Engineering Co also formed a consortium to bid for the third phase of Laem Chabang seaport (114 billion baht), another megaproject under the EEC.
According to the IEAT, the third phase of Map Ta Phut seaport in Rayong is divided into two periods of development.
The first period entails development of the seaport's superstructure worth 47.9 billion baht, of which IEAT will spend 12.9 billion while the winning bidder will take responsibility for the remainder.
This period consists of dredging of watercourses and basins for vessels, construction of embankments to withstand waves, installation of maritime infrastructure and construction of ship wharves.
The IEAT plans to operate in 2025 for the first period to support petroleum gas shipment of 10 million tonnes a year.
The second period is for additional development of the seaport's superstructure worth 7.5 billion baht -- dockyards and back areas -- for which the IEAT will issue terms of reference to seek more bidders.
The second period will begin construction in 2023 and commence operations in 2025 to serve liquid gas shipments of 4 million tonnes a year.
"All three phases of Map Ta Phut seaport will support the shipment of petroleum gas and liquid gas over the next 30 years," Ms Somchint said.