Adif takes back the Can Tunis terminal tender due to appeal
What seemed to be a closed case for the Barcelona Can Tunis rail freight terminal tender by Adif proves otherwise. Although everything looked like the company Transportes Portuarios would be the terminal’s new manager, an appeal from the current terminal manager, Grupo Alonso, cancelled the whole process, which will start anew.
For now, Grupo Alonso will continue managing the terminal, while Transportes Portuarios seem unwilling to appeal the decision against them. Nevertheless, they did not exclude the possibility of partaking again in the new tender. According to a report by the Spanish newspaper El Mercantil, Grupo Alonso “desisted from the tender procedure” without clarifying the reason. Adif is about to launch a new tender. However, its timeframe is still unknown. It must be noted that the terminal’s tender process has been delayed before.
Seemingly a sealed deal
During the tender process for the Catalan terminal’s handover, Transportes Portuarios’ bid prevailed over the bid of company Setemar both economically and technically. Consequently, the company already had some meetings with Grupo Alonso and Adif in July to agree on the transfer of assets and facilities. Everything seemed to be in place for the deal to be sealed, with Transportes Portuarios already carrying out some investments to pave the way for the terminal’s operation.
The company, which is already active in the terminal together with Captrain, was supposed to officially start operating it on 1 December 2023, with an aim to establish it as an international rail hub. In a statement, Transportes Portuarios explained that they did not appeal the tender postponement to avoid freezing the procedure altogether. In any case, they mentioned they are willing to participate in the new tender, for which Grupo Alonso will probably set new parameters and requirements.
Also read:
