The United States Army Corps (Usace) will be the main supervisor and auditor of the expansion and modernization of the Quetzal Port Company (EPQ), in Escuintla, after having signed the acceptance letter between the United States and Guatemala.
Sources to which free press had confirmed that there is a breakdown of technical services that cover design, maritime civil engineering and its management, as well as supervision for the execution of the project, whose previous phase is estimated to take between 36 to 48 months – three to four years.
Planning includes maritime civil engineering work, both in the docks and in the drafts – considerate as an urgent measure.
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One of the novelties of the model is that it will be managed and audited as if the work will be developed in the US fair and balanced. ”
He explained that the selection of the contractor that will make the construction of the port will be made together with the Ministry of Defense of Guatemala.
In the interview with this media, the American assured that the process will pass “by very rigorous audits of the Inspector General and approve with excellent qualifications to ensure that the appropriate company is successfully and competitively awarded.”
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“We celebrate the acceptance letter that marks the beginning of the modernization and expansion of Puerto Quetzal, an emblematic project that not only connects ports, but also joins purposes and peoples,” said the United States ambassador to Guatemala, Tobin Bradley, who participated in the firm act on May 22. Alvin Holsey, commander of the South Command, and Maconnell, were also present at the event.
Construction times
The preliminary phases include the elaboration of studies and long -term feasibility analysis on the port enclosure and a final proposal will be presented, always with the direction and control of the USACE.
Likewise, the processes of acquisition, quotation and award for each stage of construction will be completed.
The USACE has two objectives within the framework of the signed letter that provide certainty to continue with the following stages: enable new spaces on the commercial dock and carry out feasibility and deep draft studies.
“We celebrate the acceptance letter that marks the beginning of the modernization and expansion of Puerto Quetzal, an emblematic project that not only connects ports, but also joins purposes and peoples”
Tobin Bradley, US Ambassador, in Guatemala
The first objective prioritizes the authorization of docks 5, 6, 7 and 8, as a new infrastructure to increase the capacity for attention to merchant ships.
Preparation phase
During the first phase, technical services will consist of port engineering design, deep draft navigation and associated transport, from the perspective of the USACE.
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One of the established scope is the project to improve port services to expand their capacity. The support will include tasks of port engineering, expansion of the bearing area to adapt to general goods and container ships, as well as deepening of the navigation channel to allow the entry of ships of greater tonnage.
In the field of engineering, structural, coastal and geotechnical aspects are contemplated, in addition to environmental and social components.
Spring expansion
The USACE will also facilitate experts to treat the expansion of the dock from an integral perspective that covers port planning and engineering, deep draft and associated disciplines.
The feasibility study will evaluate potential projects in different phases, with a vision to the future, and identify alternative measures and programs to make port operations more efficient, increase capacity and improve maneuvers.
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In addition, there will be a technical and operational training component of the human resource, according to the sources.
Throughout the process, a project manager, a budgetary analyst, a data programmer and an administrative assistant, to ensure adequate execution will be appointed.
An report that details advances, obligations, expenses and budgetary calculations will be presented per fiscal year.
The port authorities reported that an advance of US $ 63.8 million will be made, to cover the preparatory and feasibility phase.
Long -term commitment
Admiral Alvin Holsey, head of the South Command, said that the port infrastructure is a priority for Guatemala and key to release its economic potential. He added that the US is positioned shoulder shoulder in this initiative.
This initial commitment of US $ 63.7 million covers ports, navigation services and transportation design to expand carcane areas, deepen navigation channels and improve storage systems and terminals.
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In addition, an exhaustive study of the expansion of the port will be developed, which will identify construction projects aimed at optimizing capacity and efficiency.
Admiral Holsey stressed that the project includes investment in human capital, in order to strengthen local technical expertise through training initiatives.
“This agreement not only strengthens the bilateral association, but emphasizes the potential that both nations can reach together,” he said.
Programmed visits and transparency
Vice Admiral José Antonio Lemus Guzmán, president of the Board of Directors of the EPQ, informed that in August a complementary visit will be made to learn more about the process and the required studies.
He indicated that it is not just about expanding docks, but also of draft work, maneuverability studies of the ships inside the dock, connectivity with the rest of the facilities and approach of the ships to the dock.
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In addition, he said that one of the elements of the letter of understanding is the feasibility study for the facilities in the west dock, with a view to the construction of a new port in deep areas.
He added that the training of port personnel and an administrative component that will contemplate accountability on the funds used is planned.
The advance of US $ 63.7 million will cover tasks and cabinet visits. The intention is to execute the entire project during the current administration. The calculation is US $ 600 million.
Back
The business sector reacted in support of the agreement signed between Guatemala and the US.
“It is a strategic alliance that strengthens key infrastructure for regional trade, production and security,” said the Coordinating Committee of Agricultural, Commercial, Industrial and Financial Associations (CACIF).
Meanwhile, the Guatemalan Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) considers it a concrete expression of the shared commitment between Guatemala and the US. Uu. For building a more prosperous, safe and interconnected region.
Business contracts
The acceptance letter, according to the sources, contemplates design and construction services, under the authority of section 29 of the US Export Export Control Law (AECA) of the United States, where the USACE is the construction agent.
The regime will apply to taxes, tariffs and charges for commercial operations, in accordance with the Federal Procurement Regulations (FAR) of the US, with prices and calculations by specific areas.
Regarding business support, the sectors said they are prepared to collaborate, share experiences, invest and support this initiative, which will facilitate bilateral trade.
