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CPA is poised to award Saipan drydock project
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Posted on Jan 21 2005
The Commonwealth Ports Authority board of directors is inclined to approve the proposal submitted by Guam Industrial Services Inc., the sole bidder for the Saipan drydock project.
In a meeting yesterday, board members said they will consider issuing a conditional approval to the bidder, which does business as Guam Shipyard.
“We have nothing to lose here, since CPA will not be shelling out money for the project. Besides, it’s very hard to attract people to come and help us,” said CPA director Prudencio Manglona.
CPA executive director Carlos Salas noted that out of the 11 companies that expressed interest in the drydock project, Guam Shipyard was the only company that ended up submitting a formal proposal.
He explained that the other companies were apparently discouraged by the numerous permits and requirements—mostly related to environmental regulations—that need to be addressed before they can begin construction.
The contractor is expected to spend up to $4 million just to do the dredging necessary for the project, he said.
Nevertheless, the board agreed to defer action on the sole proposal, pending the firm’s release of more information about its business and its plan for the Saipan drydock.
Salas said the board is expected to re-discuss the project and make a decision in its February meeting.
Guam Shipyard proposes to build a floating drydock capable of providing repair and maintenance for vessels up to 250 feet long.
The facility was originally planned to be built at the North Seaplane Ramp in Lower Base. Salas, however, bared suggestions to relocate the project to Able Dock at the southern end of the Port of Saipan.
CPA is seeking to enter into a build-operate-transfer agreement with the contractor.
