Chilean port operator Agunsa, has been the only bidder in the tender process for the Manta Port concession after the technical committee of the Manta Port Authority (APM) set the new deadline for submitting bids at October 7.

The port concession process was initially launched in 2012, but no firms showed interested in the project and the process was stopped. Then, after the port received an unsolicited offer from Agunsa, in January 2016, the Government re-opened the process in April, looking for competitive bids.

The winning team will be responsible for the design, financing, equipment, execution of additional works, operation and maintenance of the international terminal through a 40-year concession. The resolution of the tender would be on November 30.

The expansion will include repairs to the port's two international terminals as well as the dock for the industrial fishing fleet.

Dredging is also included in the initial project plans so as to increase the port's depth to 16 meters. The main part of the expansion will be the construction of a new quay of 350 meters.

The total investment is estimated to be at US$175 million.