A new approach to granting terminal concessions: the case of the Rotterdam World Gateway terminal

This paper describes in detail the award process of the concession for a large container terminal in the port of Rotterdam. This process can be termed competitive bidding, and differs from a tender because of the frequent interaction between the Port of Rotterdam Authority and the candidates. The competitive bidding process is a potentially attractive form in which to grant concessions, if there is sufficient interest in the concession as well as an impartial and trusted Port Authority with the capability to manage the process. Criteria that foster sustainable port development can be incorporated into the bidding process. In the Rotterdam case, modal split requirements were introduced, a novelty in the port industry.