Infrastructure Malta has shortlisted one bidder out of four who submitted an offer to build a tunnel between Malta and Gozo. The Malta-Gozo tunnel project includes the development of a 14-km, partly subsea, tunnel accommodating two vehicle lanes, one in each direction and a wide central buffer offering additional space for emergency vehicles.  

The only bidder to make it past the first hurdle is a consortium made up of five companies: the UK’s Equitix, Japanese company Itochu, Turkish companies Yapi Merkezi and Makyol, and French company Egis. Rival bidders Malta-Gozo Fixed Link Limited, Salini Impregilo SpA and CGYI Malta-Gozo consortium have all been eliminated by Infrastructure Malta’s tendering committee. The appeal period for the decision closes on 20/09/21.  

This is only the first of a three-stage process and the announcement is a recommendation not a decision. The successful bidder or bidders of the PQQ stage will qualify for the second stage, which includes an Invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD). During the ITPD stage, the shortlisted consortium will be asked to submit detailed technical plans of the proposed tunnel structure as well as the implementation, operation and maintenance solutions they would adopt if entrusted with the concession. 

Government will not be funding the project, with all construction and maintenance costs covered by the winning bidder.  

Following the ITPD stage, the selection process will be concluded with the Best and Final Offer (BAFO) stage. Click here for more and visit https://www.infrastructuremalta.com/. 38/21.