Port of the Americas Briefs
The Authority of the Port of the Americas (APA) is pleased to announce major steps towards the development of an international caliber deep draft port in the Southern Region of Puerto Rico.
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- Dec 31, 2008, After today and until further notice, all matters related to the Port of the Americas, should be presented in writing at the following address only:
APA Executive Offices
Capital Center Building Torre Norte
235 Arterial Hostos Norte Suite 1601
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918-1433
Official Contact numbers: 787.763.5757 xt-1529 or 1528
Fax 787.763-4415 or 787.753.4147 - Dec 31, 2008, Mr. Ramón Torres Morales wishes to thank the Board of Directors for their trust and opportunity to serve Puerto Rico; Also, all the Government Agencies, APA consulting group and the people of the Southern Region of Puerto Rico for all the support and collaboration during the past eight years in building economic hope for that part of the island.
- Dec 31, 2008, As of December 31, 2008, Mr. Ramón Torres Morales will complete his term as APA Executive Director, after 4 years of successful and solid contribution to the develpment of the Port of the Americas. Prior to that, he served for four years as Executive Director of the Port of Ponce. Therefore, eight years of a consecutive term as Port Director, the longest tenure in Puerto Rico for any Port Authority. The Board of Directors would like to express their gratitute to the hard work and commitment of Mr. Torres to this project and the economic development of Ponce and Puerto Rico. His managerial style set the standard for other public administration units to follow and was a key sucess factor during his tenure.
- Dec 19, 2008, The Executive Director of APA, Ramón Torres Morales presented the UCW America Officials to the Transition Committee of the Elected Mayor, Dr. María Meléndez. Meeting was held at the Port of Ponce during most of the afternoon.
- Dec 18, 2008, The Executive Director of APA, Ramón Torres Morales presented the UCW America Officials to the Board of Directors of the Ponce and Southern Region Chamber of Commerce at their Offices in Ponce, PR. The President of the Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Elena Colón, led the discussions on the vision and plans of UCW America for economic development. Prior that meeting, the UCW America met with Local Port Union Members (UTM), the Mayor of Ponce, Dr. Francisco Zayas at City Hall and with the entire APA Technical Staff during a project visit to Phase II, IIIA and the value added zones.
- Dec 12, 2008, The Board of Directors of APA held the monthly ordinary board meeting on Friday to review the transition process, yearly milestones and general advances of the construction and operation of the PLA.
- Dec 11, 2008, The Executive Director, Ramón Torres Morales, presented the status of the PLA to the Elected Mayor of Ponce, Dra. María Meléndez, Transition Committee to continue APA's orderly transition process.
- Dec 5, 2008, Construcction activities continues full steam ahead at the PLA, Phase II: Terminal Yard for 250,000 TEU's and the Alternate Access Roads are at 97% completion, Mitigation Project at a 65% completion, all wood piles located at the underwater structure of piers 4,5, and 6 were removed, Phase IIIA infrastructure for expansion and the extension of the container terminal to 500,000 TEU´s at a 10% completion.
- Dec. 4, 2008, The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) completed a very successful project management Workshop in Ponce, Puerto Rico. The participants from more than 40 different entities, including Hon. John Woodley, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, US Corp of Engineers (Washington DC, Jacksonville and Antilles Offices), Mr. Kurt Nugle, President of AAPA, Mr. Ramón Torres Morales, Executive Director of APA and members of the Technical Staff were able discuss first hand the development of the Port of the Americas. APA deeply appreciates the support and assistance provided by the US Corp of Engineers and AAPA during the past years.
- Dec 2-3, 2008, The Executive Director of the Port of Ponce, Mr. Jorge Hernández Lázaro and the Executive Director of the Port of the Americas, Mr. Ramón Torres Morales provided a guided tour of the facilities, construction projects and future developments to the AAPA Workshop Participants.
- Dec 1, 2008, APA complied with all, additional documents required by the Government Transition Committee on requests made on Nov. 17, 2008 and Nov. 21, 2008. During opening of the Annual Project Management Workshop of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) celebrated in Ponce, PR; Eng. Ángel García (CSA), from APA Environmental Team, presented APA´s approach to mitigation projects.
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- Nov 25, 2008, APA complied with all documents required by the Government Transition Committee on Nov 17, 2008.
The Executive Director, Ramón Torres Morales, presented the status of the project, business model and concessions models to the Ponce Board of Realtors as part of their continued education program. Future presentation will be programmed for the San Juan Chapter. - Nov 21, 2008, APA and GDB executed the Letter of Credit Agreement to secure the oustanding funds for full payment of the two new ZPMC Super-Postpanamax twin peak ready gantry cranes. APA complied with 3 out 4, additional documents required by the Government Transition Committee on Nov 17, 2008.
- Nov. 18, 2008, Mr. Ramón Torres Morales met with the Port of Ponce Board of Directors to present the status of the PLA and the business conversations with the selected firm for the operation of the port.
- Nov. 17, 2008, US Environmental Protection Agency, New York office, invited Mr. Ramón Torres, Executive Director of APA to particpate in the Northeast Diesel Puerto Rico Collaborative Committee, an initiative to enhance fuel emissions control and alternative energy use.
- Nov. 14, 2008, APA Executive Director, Ramón Torres Morales, discussed the status of the PLA and the negotiations with the PLA operator at the Government Transition Public Hearings. It also had the opportunity to meet with the new Mayor Elect of Ponce, Dr. María Meléndez. Both informative sessions, held at the Puerto Rico Department of State, were very professional and productive.
- Nov. 3, 2008. APA Board of Directors held an ordinary meeting to review the yearly accomplishments and the action plan to close the concession agreement with UCW America for the operation of the Port of the Americas "Rafael Cordero Santiago". APA executed a contract with the Free Trade Zone #163 to obtained free trade status for all its properties.
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- UPDATE
The Port of the Americas Authority has completed the qualification and selection of an operator. The annoucement was made in Ponce, Puerto Rico by the Hon. Aníbal Acevedo Vilá, Governor of PR. After a long promotional effort and evaluation process, including two rounds of RFP's and numerours letter of interests; UCW America a northamerican-korean group was selected to continue exclusive negotiations on the concession of the container terminal at piers 4, 5, and 6. Under a holistic development approach, this group incorporates components from the Terminal Operation, Pusan Eastern Container Terminal Operator, handling 2.5 M TEU's per year at the fifth largest port in the world, Busan Port in South Korea. Maritime: Hyundai Merchant Marine and Hanjing Shippin Line, Logistics and Distribution: Woojin Logistics with a client portfolio which includes Samsung and LG Electronics, Kia, Daewood and Hyundai Motors, Renewable Energy: Aimeka Group, Technology: UCW or Ultra High Intellectual Container Warehousing System and Terminal Management Systems. - PRIVATE INVESTMENT: A local investor and businessman, Mr. Froilán Irizarry Sile and the City of Ponce announced the development of a $45 million environmentally sound commercial and outlet center called 'Green Waves Outlet'. This project is located at walking distance from the PLA and adjacent to a residential sector. Construction should commence during 1Q2009, will provide 250,000 square feet of commercial space and will generate near 600 jobs.
This is initiative joins the International Business Center recently announced by Arq. Abel Misla Villalba and its partners Adaptable Tasks, Strategies, Investments and Resources. This project in a planning stage, is estimated at $40 million and will provide 200,000 square feet of office space in modern architecture. - PROJECT AND OPERATIONAL STATUS: After last week tropical storm impacting the entire island of Puerto Rico, the Port of the Americas is in full operational capacity and construction activities have continued its course, without any damages or obstructions. Furthermore, storm sewer system and water management at the terminal was impeccable. The APA Board expresses its support to all those families impacted by the stormy rains last week.
- PUBLIC ACTIVITES: The APA Executive Director, Ramón Torres, was selected to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Ponce Chamber of Commerce, under the presidency of Dr. Elena Colón, Ph.D. In addition, it will be part of the academic resources for a Logistics and Transportation Certificate that will be initiated on November 2008 by the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico.
The Executive Director will be the main speaker at
The Southern Region Board of Realtors Monthly Meeting, organized by Mrs. Marizol Ajá, President, the meeting will be held at the port site during the third week of November 2008. The American Association of Port Authorities will hold its Project Management and Permitting Workshop at Ponce, Puerto Rico during the first week of December 2008 in collaboration with the Port of the Americas Authority.
Mr. Ramón Torres, presented the project to the Board of Directors of PR Industrial Association and its new President, Mr. Josean Rossi. Members visited the site and expressed their interest in the development and its potential.
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- UPDATE
Sept 16, 2008 at 12:50 pm. Today arrived at the Port of Ponce the seven (used) Paceco Rubber tire Gantries acquired by APA from a terminal operator at Los Angeles, CA. Unloading operation has begun. Minor repair and maintenance work will commence this coming week. - PROJECT STATUS: Phase II the container terminal is at 85% completion. Phase III-A has been initiated by Del Valle group with cleaning and grubbing of the Percon Land and the demolition of the concrete structures at the Aljoma site. Iglesias Vázquez has filed for construction permitting at the City of Ponce Phase III-B and PR-12 enhancements projects.
- TERMINAL EQUIPMENT: APA signed a contract for manufacturing of two Super Post-Panamax Twin Pick Ready Gantry Cranes with the world largest crane manufacturer, Chinese firm, ZPMC for $22.6M. Transportation of the 7 RTG's bought at the Port of Los Angeles is well underway, estimated ETA 9/20/2008.
- PORTECO a proposal for a holistic approach for the development of the PLA as Regional-Port initiative preserving the social and ecosystems elements won the best Graduate Project at the School of Architecture of the University of Puerto Rico. This proposal was developed in direct collaboration with PLA and will serve as the platform for future developments related to port activities, the City of Ponce and DISUR, in general.
- The Third Symposium of the Port of the Americas was held by the Chamber of Commerce of the Southern Region, DISUR, PRIDCO, Free Trade Zone of the South, Cancio & Nadal, PORTECO/IMDICE and the Port of Ponce all have very strong presentations about the holistic approach for economic development of the Southern Region. The event was conducted by the APA Executive Director and served to launch PORTECO as a viable proposal for Regional-Port development.
- The American Port Authorities Association has selected Ponce, Puerto Rico to hold the annual Project Management and Permitting Workshop on December 2, 2008.
- The City of Ponce has opened a new Municipal Police Center at the Port of the Americas to provided maritime security support. The funding for a new police boat and additional equipment was obtained through the Homeland Security Office.
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- The APA Board of Directors would like to express our deep and sincere condolences to the family of Mrs. Madeline Velasco, Esq., wife of the past Mayor of Ponce, Mr. Rafael Cordero Santiago, "Churumba". Mrs. Velasco, passed away on August 5, 2008 after fighting cancer for about nine years.
She died at age 62, served as Regional Real Estate Property Registrar under the PR Justice Department and was a faculty member of the School of Law at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico.
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- The Executive Director provided a status presentation on the project to the PR Shipping, PR General Contractor Associations and the Port of Ponce Board of Directors at their monthly meetings. All groups expressed their support to the initiative and the results obtained in the development of the PLA. Business meetings were held with members of the different sectors of the maritime industry and the PR logistics chain to update the PLA Operational Model. APA appreciates the collaboration of all participants.
- Phase II is well underway at a 75% completion. Pavement of the terminal is running smoothly with over 14,400 tons of super pave already in place, at an average of 1,200 tons per day.
- The President of the APA Board of Directors, Hon. Bartolomé Gamundi was confirmed as Secretary of Economic Development by the PR Legislature. Eng. Bartolomé has been instrumental in formalizing agreements between APA and PRIDCO to further develop the port value added zones, as well as consolidating the GDB financing efforts for
Phase III of the project. - APA signed a construction contract with Del Valle Group to initiate Phase III A of the Port of the Americas. A public announcement was made in collaboration with the PR General Contractors Association (AGC) and its President, Eng. Gustavo Hermida. The project will include the construction of the infrastructure and utilities at the Percon Land for logistics and value added activities and the expansion to 500,000 TEU's per year. This activity will be completed within 36 months with a public investment of $84.5M.
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- APA participated at a press conference led by the President of the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (PCUPR), Prof. Marcelina Santiago and Dr. Jaime Santiago Canet, Dean of the Business School; were two new academic programs were announced. The School of Business Administration received accreditation from the PR Higher Education Council for a BBA in International Commerce and Logistics and a Graduate Certification in Transportation and Logistics, both in alliance with the Maine Maritime Academy. The APA Executive Director will be offering a graduate course as part of this initiative. This is another powerful example of non-government entities in the development and support of the PLA.
- Past President of the PR Shipping Association and Member of the Advisory Committe for the PCUPR Business School, Mr. Fernando Rivera, expressed his continuous support to this academic initiative, as well as other representatives from the private sector.
- APA participated with the Free Trade Zone, Codezol in the public announcement of the authorization of the expansion of jurisdiction of the FTZ #163. Under Resolution #24 of April 14, 2008, a joint effort of the PR Legislature, the Executive Branch and Codezol, now may service clients throughout Puerto Rico. This a significant and robust step to enhance the holistic approach for the develoment of distribution centers in the Southern Region, a vital component for the PLA.
- The Mayor of Ponce, Hon. Francisco Zayas Seijo announced today that a Computer Simulator has been acquired to trained crane and RTG operators in Puerto Rico. This effort was led by DISUR, the Southern Regional Economic Development Alliance, that incorporates 15 municipalities from the Southern Region, Academic Institutions and members from the private sector.
- The asphalt pavement activities began at the container terminal as part of Phase II of the PLA, with a completion date by 3Q2008.
- Transportation contract for the 7 RTG's bought at the Port of Los Angeles was executed with MTS, delivery is expected by 3Q2008.
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- The Executive Director participated in the Transportation and Port Infrastructure Panel organized during the Annual Convention of the Puerto Rico Engineers and Surveyors Professional Association celebrated at the Puerto Rico Convention Center with Eng. Alberto Alemán, P.E., General Manager for the Panama Channel Expansion Project.
- Presentations on the PLA development status were given to the PR MIDAS Board of Directors Meeting at the International Marketing Center in Guaynabo, the Regional Alliances for Economic Development of PR at the Ponce Hilton and to the PR Industrial Association at the Ponce School of Medicine. APA participated in the Recyclying, Reforestation and Energy Conservation Program sponsored by Plaza del Caribe.
- APA has initiated collaborative efforts with CODEZOL FTZ #163 to designate all consolidated properties under free trade zone status to enhance the competitiveness of the Port of the Americas.
- Project Status: Phase II Terminal construction is at a 72%, Access Roads at 70% and Mitigation of La Esperanza is at 50% completion rates.
- Hollistic Approach for the Develpment of the Port of the Americas, Caribbean Business May 22, 2008.
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- On April 30, 2008 proposal for the construction of Phase III A.2 Infrastructure Project and Phase III A.2.1 Expansion of the Container Terminal were received from five interested firms. The technical evaluation committee and the AFI Board of Awards have initiated the appropriate evaluation process.
- The relocation of the recently acquired rubber tire cranes ( seven RTG's) is well underway. Expected delivery date will be in early 3Q08.
- The Executive Director participated in an Economic Symposium celebrated with members of the private sector in Guayama, Puerto Rico.
- Private Sector announced an strategic alliance to promote the Port of the Americas, DISUR and CODEZOL commercial efforts. Under a completely private sector involvement, two PR legal firms, Cancio, Nadal, Rivera & Díaz and Emmanuelli, C.S.P. has jointed forces to promulgate commercial opportunities in the Southern Region of Puerto Rico.
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- On March 28, 2008, APA Executive Director participated on the Puerto Rico Governor's Cabinet Meeting, where the strong committment with the economic development agenda for Puerto Rico was ratified.
- The development of Port of the Americas "Rafael Cordero Santiago" is moving full steam ahead, during the month of April 2008, bids for Phase III A.2 Infrastructure Project and Phase III A.2.1 Expansion of the Container Terminal will be received.
- Acquisition for the seven rubber tire cranes (RTG's) was succesfully finalized, the equipment should be received at the Port of Ponce by 3Q2008. These cranes will support the most efficient and modern container terminal in Puerto Rico.
- The US Coast Guard has designated the Port of Ponce as the TWIC Enrollment Center. Services are schedule to open on April 17, 2008, services hours will be Monday thru Friday from 8:00 am. to 5:00 pm.
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- The Public Bid for Phase III-A.2, improvements to infrastructure and pluvial channel construction, was extended to March 25, 2008 as requested by APA design group to incorporate as an addendum, Phase III-A.21 the expansion of the terminal to 500,000 TEU's. A second mandatory visit to site is scheduled for Tuesday, February 26th, 2008. This visit is required to all 13 registered bidders.
- A general meeting to coordinate with all concerned agencies, as PREPA, PRASA, APA, PRIDCO, DDEC, Port of Ponce was held on February 14, 2008 to review general requirements for value added zones development. Representatives from the Puerto Rico Chief of Staff Office were present at the meeting.
- Negotiation for the acquisition of seven rubber tire gantries is well underway. Inspection of the equipment was completed and final evaluation is performed by a Committee constituted by Mr. Jorge Hernández, Port of Ponce Director, Eng. Nelson Hidalgo and Eng. Eusebio Iglesias.
- APA facilitated the completion of the necessary corrective actions required by EPA from the dredging contractor, as well as the revision of the dredging contract providing a deduction of $2.9M in favor of the Authority. APA deeply appreciates the assistance of both EPA officials and the dredging contractor to resolve this matter in responsible, safe and efficient manner.
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- The Public Bid for Phase III-A.2, improvements to infrastructure and pluvial channel construction, was extended to Feb 15, 2008 as requested by the bidders.
A total of 13 firms are participating in this process. - The expansion project to 500,000 TEU's Phase III A.2.1 was filed at the City of Ponce to obtain the local construction permit, by our design firm Iglesias Vázquez.
- Construction Activities for Phase II: the container terminal is at 59%, the mitigation project is at 35%, and the alternate access road is at 44% completion, all within the established budget and time schedules.
- Asphalt pavement pre-construcction meeting for Phase II was held with PLA Technical Staff to coordinate all aspects of this construction element during the coming months.
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- APA Board held its last meeting for the year 2007 on December 29 at the Port of Ponce to evaluate the physical progress of the development. During that meeting, the new President of the Board and the Secretary of Economic Development, Hon. Bartolomé Gamundi was installed.
- APA is reviewing all aspects of the the implementation of its action plan for year 2008.
- Initiated negotiations for the acquisitions of seven RTG's
and two ship-to-shore grantry cranes.
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- The deadline to submit proposals for the selection of an operator for the POA was November 30, 2007 in accordance with the Notice of Availability and the RFP documents. PAA officials have initiated the evaluation process of final submissions.
- PAA has been designated as an honorary member of the Ponce Chamber of Commerce, which will allow the Executive Director to participate in all Board Meetings and related activities.
- The Public Bid for Phase III-A.2, improvements to infrastructure and pluvial channel construction, was published on November 16, 2007. Bids will be received on January 15, 2008. This project will provide the necessary infrastructure and utilities for the expansion of the port to one million TEUs per year, will provide support to the distribution and logistics areas, and to a municipal housing project in la Playa Ward, that will enhance the quality of life in the Puerto Viejo Sector. A meeting with members of this community was held to present the impact to the entire POA project.
- Construction Activities for Phase II, the container terminal, is at 53%, the mitigation project is at 20%, and the alternate access road is at 25% completion, all within the established budget and time schedules.
- As of December 1st, 2007, Mrs. Eunice A. Pagán-Vega, Esq. will return to her original assignment at the Government Development Bank, as per the request of GBD's Senior Management. Our deepest appreciation and recognition to Ms. Pagán-Vega for her work, commitment and contributions to the development of the Port of the Americas Rafael Cordero Santiago and public service in general.
- As of Novemer 30, 2007, Eng. Ricardo Rivera Cardona, President of the Board and Secretary of Economic Development decided to return to the private sector.
Our sincere appreciation to Mr. Rivera for his contribution to the development of the Port of the Americas Rafael Cordero Santiago and public service.
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- The Port of the Americas Authority published its financial statements for fiscal year 2007.
- RFP: The RFP process initiated on August 23, 2007 continues well underway as originally approved by the PAA Board. As of October, 19 interested parties have requested the related RFP documents before the September 30, 2007 deadline for such request. Participants included local, U.S.-based and international firms. A secure forum has been established on the PAA website to facilitate the transparent interaction with all RFP participants in accordance with the Procurement Regulation. PAA expects to receive very creative proposals, as we stay on course for the November 30, 2007 due date.
- Construction:
-PAA notified all contractors and suppliers about the government’s islandwide campaign against the dengue fever. Several prevention methods have been discussed and documented.
-POA’s construction activities, namely terminal construction, mitigation of La Esperanza, and the alternate access roads continue as scheduled.
-PAA’s engineering team is in the final stages to complete the closing processes of the dredging with USCOE, EPA and NOAA, including approval of the final bathymetric report for the Ponce Bay.
-The construction bid process for certain infrastructure elements for Phase III is scheduled for publication on the second week of November. - Clarifications on San Juan break bulk:
Issues publicly discussed regarding the possibility of transferring some break bulk cargo operations from San Juan to the Port of Ponce were not related to the construction of the POA facilities. Consequently, this matter will not have any impact whatsoever on PAA’s activities. The matter was resolved by the Puerto Rico Port Authority within the physical port limits of the Port of San Juan.
Therefore, the development of the POA is moving ahead as planned and as one of the strategic projects of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. - Other:
-On November 5 and 6 the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico will hold the Puerto Rico Infrastructure Forum at the Convention Center. The Strategic Infrastructure Projects will be presented by the Governor of Puerto Rico, the Hon. Aníbal Acevedo Vilá and members of his Cabinet.
More information is available at www.gdbpr.com - -In November the Puerto Rico Planning Society will hold the Second Congress of a Sustainable City as part of the activities of the planning professionals’ week. The Planning Society extended an invitation to PAA’s Executive Director, Mr. Ramón Torres Morales, to participate as a speaker in a session dedicated to Puerto Rico’s Strategic Projects.
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- Activities for Phase II, construction of the container terminal is at 49%, the mitigation project is at 18.5%, and the alternate access road is at 22% completion, all within the established budget and time schedules.
- As of September 30th, 2007, 3:00 pm Atlantic Standard Time, the deadline to request the RFP documents, firms that requested such documents to participate in the public process to seek a private operator for Phase II of the POA include representatives from the maritime industry on the western and eastern coasts of the United States, Europe, Asia, South America, the Middle East and Puerto Rico.
- PAA and the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) signed a cooperative agreement to finance and build PRASA’s infrastructure needed to develop Phase III of the POA. PRASA will provide financing of up to $4 million for this project.
- PAA’s Executive Director, Mr. Ramón Torres Morales, attended his first meeting of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Hydrographic Services Review Panel of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The meeting was held at NOAA’s headquarters in Seattle, Washington.
- Representatives from the New York office of UBS Investment Bank visited the port facilities to evaluate alternative financing options for the POA.
- Ms. Eunice A. Pagán-Vega, PAA’s General Counsel, participated in a seminar for corporate and transaction attorneys in Chicago, Illinois. Topics included debt financing, credit agreements and other bank financing, joint ventures, Securities Exchange Act matters, risk management, intellectual property, indemnification and Directors’ and Officers’ insurance.
- PAA’s Procurement Regulation for the Development and Operation of the POA has been included in the RFP Documentation section of this website.
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- On August 23rd, 2007 PAA’s Board of Directors published the Notice of Availability of the Request for Proposals to Operate and Maintain the Port of the Americas. The deadline to submit is November 30, 2007 not later than 3:00 pm Atlantic Standard Time.
- Mr. Ramón Torres Morales, Executive Director of the Port of the Americas Authority, has been designated as a member of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Hydrographic Services Review Panel (HSRP) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). HSRP was established by law to advise the Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, NOAA’s Administrator, on matters related to the U.S.’s hydrographic services and navigation safety information needs. The term of the appointment will expire on January 1, 2012. Members of HSRP come from different sectors of the maritime industry. Mr. Torres’s designation will provide an opportunity, among others, to showcase the Port of the Americas project.
- Activities for Phase II, construction of the container terminal and alternate access roads to the POA, and mitigation are firmly progressing as planned.
- On August 11th the Port of the Americas Authority celebrated its fifth anniversary as a Public Corporation under P.R. Law No. 171.
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- General contractor for Phase II of the PoA, Del Valle Group, informed PAA that construction reached 40% completion and that subsoil for the container terminal has been stabilized.
- Drafting of the Request for Proposals documents for the selection of an operator for the PoA is being finalized, with an expected publication date by the end of August 2007.
- As part of Phase III of the PoA, Engineering Design Reviews were completed for certain infrastructure projects that will provide the necessary utilities for the development of the Percon parcel as a logistics and industrial site, and will allow for the first expansion of the port. Also, reviews were completed for the expansion projects of Phase III.C to increase the PoA’s capacity to handle over 500,000 TEUs per year. Both projects have been submitted to the municipal and state agencies for final evaluation and construction permits.
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- Del Valle Group initiated construction of alternate access roads to the POA with a total investment of $4.6 million.
- PAA’s Board of Directors approved the renewal of professional service contracts for fiscal year 2007-08 for engineering, environmental, inspection, technical review, acquisitions and other general services.
- PAA’s Board of Directors authorized moving forward with the publication of the Request for Proposals for the selection of a potential operator for the POA after receiving five letters of interest from high caliber port operators.
- PAA and the Autonomous Municipality of Ponce executed the fourth renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding.
- The Governor of Puerto Rico, the Honorable Aníbal Acevedo Vilá, and several cabinet members participated in the First Commercial Symposium celebrated in Ponce. The POA was mentioned as a key project for the region by Secretary of State and Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Ports Authority, the Honorable Fernando Bonilla; Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce, the Honorable Ricardo Rivera Cardona; and the Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Corporation (PRIDCO), Mr. Boris Jaskille, Esq. During this event, PRIDCO’s Executive Director announced the immediate availability of 146,000 square feet for the development of value added activities in Ponce.
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- The Port of the Americas Rafael Cordero Santiago (POA) was recognized by the Board of Directors of the Puerto Rico Engineers and Surveyors Association as the most outstanding surveying project for 2006. The award was granted for the dredging activities at the Ponce Bay, and for the use of advanced technology systems that controlled and monitored the dredging operations.
- The Executive Director of the Port of the Americas Authority (PAA), Ramón Torres Morales, MSE, MBA, DBA Sc., IEEE Member, was the keynote speaker during the luncheon of the annual convention of the Southern Region’s chapter of the Chamber of Commerce. He spoke about the progress of the port in the past year since the First Symposium was held in Ponce, also organized by this organization, and its contribution to the economic development of Puerto Rico. The main topic of the Second Symposium of the Port of the Américas was the development of Value Added Zones.
- Torres Morales also was a speaker at the Annual Meeting of the Certified Public Accountants Association. PAA’s Executive Director presented the components of the project and its advances to the members of the association.
- Del Valle Group (DVG), Port of the Americas’ general contractor for phase II, completed 35% of the total project activities required for construction of the 250,000 TEUs terminal. Main activities of DVG include installation of a drainage layer and wick drains, monitoring of stabilization of subsoil, recycling of demolished concrete slabs, clean up process of Aqua Kem’s facilities and soil testing.
- Del Valle Group continued working with mitigation activities at La Esperanza parcel, with 7% of the work completed, including surveying and mobilization of species.
- PAA commenced the bid procurement process for the acquisition and delivery of 3 gantry cranes and 7 rubber tire gantries. Five suppliers attended the mandatory pre-bid meeting.
- A regional media campaign has been initiated to disseminate general information about the Port of the Americas project throughout the southern region. To that end, PAA’s Executive Director visited the towns of Arroyo, Yauco and Mayagüez.
- The Puerto Rico Senate and House of Representatives held budget hearings for fiscal year 2008. Ramón Torres Morales presented the general advances of the project.
- A commission of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives held an executive hearing at the Port of Ponce to discuss the benefits of establishing a training center for crane an equipment operators. The representatives are evaluating the feasibility of acquiring a crane training simulator that would be managed by local academic institutions.
- The PAA Communications and Technology Committee initiated review of several security systems for the POA.
The members of the committee are Eng. José Ramón Baez, Eng. Eusebio Iglesias, Jr., Eng. Nelson Hidalgo and
Mr. Antonio Quiñones from the Port of Ponce, joined by ad hoc members Messrs. Jorge Hernández from the Port of Ponce and Ramón Torres Morales from PAA.
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- Port of the Americas Authority Executive Director, Ramón Torres Morales, participated this month as guest speaker in different activities of the following trade associations and/or organizations: Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association, Ponce Board of Realtors, and the Council of American Master Mariners. In these activities, Torres presented the Port of the Américas’ progress as well as the opportunities for international commerce and industrial development that the port will generate once the container terminal is completed by the end of 2008. Also, the Executive Director and the PAA technical staff presented to the transportation engineering students of the University of Puerto Rico - Mayagüez Campus the port as a world-class infrastructure model for the Caribbean region.
- Port of the Americas Authority Executive Director, Ramón Torres Morales, has been appointed as a member of the Board of Directors of the Ponce School of Medicine in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
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- Construction of the container terminal, as part of Phase II of the development of the POA, is now 30% completed.
- Another aspect of the mitigation process has been started with the placement of the recommended plant species at
La Esperanza parcel. - The stabilization process and installation of the subsoil drainage systems was commenced.
- About 160 engineers, members of the Puerto Rico Engineers and Land Surveyors Association, visited the
Port of the Americas facilities to obtain first hand knowledge on the port’s developments. Topics included construction, dredging and environmental, organizational and geotechnical aspects of the project. Participants received six credits of continuous education. - Eng. Ramón Torres Morales, PAA’s Executive Director, was a panelist in an activity sponsored by the Social Sciences Department at the Mayagüez Campus of the University of Puerto Rico. He spoke to an audience of faculty and students about the developments of the Port of the Américas. Mr. Torres also participated in a roundtable for print media to discuss the Authority’s achievements and the development plans for 2007, and was a guest speaker at the Ponce Rotary Club, whose members are businesspersons and industrialists.
- A delegation of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), led by the Chairman of the Board, Capt. Allen Domaas, PPM®, visited five Caribbean ports, starting with Puerto Rico. The APAA delegation went to the Port of Ponce and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority in San Juan, and met with Mr. Ramón Torres Morales, PAA’s Executive Director, and with Mrs. María Méndez Rivera, Port’s Authority Deputy Executive Director. The main purpose of the trip was to witness the achievements taking place in the region, to gather information on the challenges facing those ports, and to procure opportunities for the ports’ participation in AAPA. The delegation also visited the two ports in St. Martin/St. Maarten and St. Kitts.
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- A $4.9 million contract for improvements to the alternate access roads to the Port of the Americas project was signed with Del Valle Group.
- Eng. Ramón Torres Morales, PAA’s Executive Director, was a speaker at the international division of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) Latin American and Caribbean Executive Management Conference held in Miami, Florida. Mr. Torres Morales presented to AAPA’s members the benefits of the Port of the Americas project.
Conference topics included port security, privatization, updates on the Panama Canal, port operating strategies, dredging and navigation issues. - The Puerto Rico Contractors Association met in Ponce, and its members expressed their support to the Port of the Americas project.
- PAA’s mitigation efforts have continued: 90% of the recommended plant species have been secured to initiate this process of the mitigation.
- Phase II, construction of the container terminal, is 25% completed as scheduled.
- PLUG de Puerto Rico, a subsidiary of public relations and
communications firm Lopito, Ileana & Howie, presented and PAA approved a public relations action plan to present to different sectors the economic advantages of the Port of the Americas for Ponce and Puerto Rico.
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- Work performed in the construction of the container yard has reached 25%.
- Mitigation process has been initiated, 1,600 units will placed at La Esperanza Farm.
- Port of Ponce handles 459,753 tons in the first half of the fiscal year; a jump of 73% over the previous year.
- Lopito, Ileana y Howie advertising firm has been contracted by the Port of the Americas Authority.
- Tendering for the Alternate Access Roads to the Port was awarded to Del Valle Group for $4.9M.
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- Phase II - Container terminal construction reached 15% completion. The mitigation process at La Esperanza parcel is underway.
- Phase III – Bids were received for improvements to the access roads and entrance to the POA project.
- PAA’s Audited Financial Statements for fiscal year 2005-06 were issued.
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- Weeks Marine de Puerto Rico Inc. completed dredging of the Ponce Bay. At 50 feet, the bay is now the deepest port in the Caribbean region.
- PAA submitted bathymetric reports to the U.S. Coast Guard to obtain final navigation approval from NOAA.
- British journal Container Management published the article "Significant Changes in Puerto Rico at the Port the Americas" in its Latin America edition.
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- Dredging reached 4.4 cubic meters, and will be completed in November.
- Drawings were finalized for the mitigation of La Esperanza parcel.
- Del Valle Group completed 13 percent of the construction of the container terminal.
- PAA’s Board of Directors designated an Executive Committee, whose members are the Hon. Francisco Zayas, mayor of the Autonomous Municipality of Ponce, Eng. Rafael Rovira and Juan R. Zalduondo, Esq. Attorney Boris Jaskille, Administrator of the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company, will be the alternate member. The creation of the Executive Committee will help to expedite the decision making process of the Board.
- Puerto Rico’s Senate confirmed PAA’s Board President, Eng. Ricardo Rivera, as Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce.
- The Hon. Ricardo Rivera designated Ms. Mary Givens, Assistant Secretary, as liaison between the Department of Economic Development and Commerce and PAA.
- All PAA records and files were transferred to the Port of Ponce facilities.
- Representatives from the North Carolina State Ports Authority and from CB Richard Ellis visited the Port of the Americas to see its development first hand.
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- Dredging to 50 feet reached 90% with over 4.175 million cubic meters dredged. Weeks Marine notified the Port of the Américas Authority (PAA) that dredging will be completed by Nov 6, 2006.
- Phase II-Container Terminal is at 14% completion. About 70% of the demolition work has been completed, and installation of drainage systems began.
- The PAA Project Marketing and Outreach program was commenced on September 26, 2006 with a visit to Evergreen, at its New York corporate offices. Present at the meeting were Puerto Rico Secretary of State and Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Ports Authority, the Hon. Fernando Bonilla; PRIDCO Executive Director, Boris Jaskille, Esq.; PAA Executive Director, Ramón Torres Morales; Dr. John Ricklefs and Mr. Dan Pastore from Moffatt and Nichol; and Mr. Joaquín Villamil, from Estudios Técnicos. The Port of the Américas (POA) team and the government representatives offered an overview of thePuerto Rico economy, the vision of the island as a transportation hub, the scope of the project, the existing operation of the port, and several scenarios for incentives to Evergreen top executives.
- On September 30, 2006, the Chamber of Commerce of the Southern Region of Puerto Rico presented the Presidential Special Award to Mr. Jorge Hernández, Port of Ponce Director, and to Eng. Ramón Torres Morales, PAA’s Executive Director, for their contribution to economic development through the establishment of the POA.
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- PAA's financial statements were issued for fiscal years 2003, 2004 and 2005, and showed favorable results of PAA's operations.
- CSA, PAA's environmental consultant, reported the presence of the Anolis Poncencis at the 527-acre La Esperanza mitigation site during a routine survey in August 2006. The Anolis Poncencis is an endemic lizard. Although this species was known to inhabit the coastal region between Patillas and Ponce, its presence at the site was not reported until the PAA studies were conducted.
- DISUR, an alliance of southern municipalities in Puerto Rico, whose main focus is to develop a regional plan for the economic growthof the region, held its first meeting at the Port of Ponce, where the Port of the Americas is being built. By holding its first meeting at the Port of Ponce, DISUR recognizes the Port of the Americas as a key element for economic development.
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- Dredging reached 65% completion. Since July, 2005, 3.6 million cubic meters of material have been deposited at the offshore disposal site.
- Construction of the container terminal reached 8.5% completion.
- Secretary of State, the Hon. Fernando Bonilla, visited China and presented the advantages of the Port of the Americas.
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- The Chamber of Commerce of Ponce and the South of
Puerto Rico celebrated with great success the First Symposium for the Port of the Americas. Among the speakers who participated were the Secretary of State and Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Ports Authority, Hon. Fernando Bonilla; the former Secretary of Economic Development and Commerce Department, Hon. Jorge Silva Puras; the Executive Director of the Port of the Americas Authority, Eng. Ramón Torres Morales; the Executive Director of the Port of Ponce, Mr. Jorge Hernández Lázaro; and other members of the public and private sectors. - 3.5 million cubic meters of dredging material have been deposited at the offshore dumpsite, for a 64% completion of the project.
- GDB issued notes in the Section 103 of the Internal Revenue Service Code tax exempt market for $81.9 million (USD) to support the financing granted to the Port of the Americas Authority for the development of Phase II of the project.
- Phase II: Construction company Del Valle Group carried out the demolition of several buildings to give way for the construction of the container yard. Also, the asphalt of a three acre parking lot was removed.
- Public hearings for PAA's fiscal year budget were held at the Puerto Rico Senate.
- The Governor of Puerto Rico, Hon. Aníbal Acevedo Vilá, designated two new members to PAA's Board of Directors: Attorney Boris Jaskille, Acting Administrator of Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company (PRIDCO), and Hon. Ricardo Rivera, Acting Secretary of Economic Development and Commerce Department, replacing the vacancy left by Hon. Jorge Silva Puras.
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- General contractor Del Valle Group began the construction of a 250,000 TEU's container yard as part of Phase II of the Port of the Americas. Construction is expected to be completed by the summer of 2008.
- Contract renovations were completed for all professional services being rendered to PAA for fiscal year 2007.
- 3.1 million cubic meters of material have been transported to the disposal area as part of the ongoing dredging project for 63% of total completion.
- Several inclinometers were installed in Docks 2 & 3 in
preparation of the dredging at those wharves. - PAA's Executive Director participated in the 2007 budget hearings at the Puerto Rico House of Representatives.
- The mitigation plan for La Esperanza estate was completed.
- The third amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Port of the Americas Authority and the Municipality of Ponce was signed and extended until June 30, 2007.
- Public hearings where carried out for the Port of the Americas Authority's first bond issue of $81.9 million USD.
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- 2.6 million cubic meters were dredged.
- Del Valle Group and PAA signed a $42.5 million (USD) contract for the construction of a container yard with a capacity of 250,000 TEU's.
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- A public bid was celebrated for the construction of a container storage area with a capaciy of 250,000 TEU's. There were four qualified bidders. The winner will be selected before the end of the month. Estimated project value: $42,000,000.
- Volume dredged should reach 2.4 million cubic meters.
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- The dredging project reaches the 40% completion milestone having dredged 2.2 million cubic meters. The USCOE (United States Corps of Engineers) and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) inspected the project and gave a favorable review of the project's progress.
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- Introduction of a new PAA web site.
- Moffat & Nichols and Estudios Técnicos joined the development team. Both fims were awarded contracts for the preparation of the Request for Proposals for the selection of an operator of the Port of the Americas.
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Briefings for 2005
- Public Bid for Container Terminal was published.
- Acquisition of 132 acres to consolidate land assembly for
the project. - Acquisition of 609 acres to comply with mitigation requirements.
- RFP development contracted with Moffatt and Nichols.
- RFP reviewer contracted with Estudios Técnicos.
- Dregding up to 30% completion or 1.75 MM cubic meters disposed.
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- The Government Development Bank for Puerto Rico (GDB) approved an interim refinancing of $140 million (USD) to complete the $250 million (USD) government commitment.
- Final Mitigation Plan was filed before the USCOE.
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- The Government Development Bank for Puerto Rico (GDB) approved an interim financing of $40 million (USD) for the first phase of the project.
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- Dredging works initiated by Weeks Marine.
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First Awarded Contracts:
- Design of dredging profiles (Iglesias Vázquez & Associates).
- Dredging to 50 feet at the Port of Ponce (Weeks Marine).
- Inspection Contract for Phase II (Eng. Axel Bonilla).
- Required mitigation process (CSA & Associates).
- Final construction drawings of the PLA (Iglesias Vázquez
& Associates). - Technical Reviewer (H2A Engineers).
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- The Government Development Bank for Puerto Rico (GDB) approved an interim financing of $70 million (USD) for the project.
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- The consolidated budget for the Puerto Rico Government included a $183 million (USD) fund allocation for the development of the project.
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- The U.S. Corps of Engineers(USCOE) presented to PAA the joint permit proposal for the development of the Port of the Americas.
- The PAA Board of Directors approved all USCOE permit conditions and final acceptance of the permit.
Additional information will be posted as it becomes available. Interested
parties may contact PAA's Executive Director,
Eng. Ramón Torres
Morales via email at ramon_torres@portoftheamericas.com
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