en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Topolobampo branch of the National Port System Administration (Asipona) has awarded the second phase of the expansion of Bulk Terminal No. 3 at the Port of Topolobampo to Marinas y Urbanizaciones Gran Turismo, with a contract value of 29.53 million pesos (approximately $1.7 million, excluding VAT). The project is part of a strategy to modernize port infrastructure, aimed at enhancing the terminal's capacity to handle agricultural and mineral bulk cargo, in response to anticipated freight growth and to consolidate the port's logistical role in northwestern Mexico.

The tender employed a "score and percentage" evaluation mechanism, with the winning bidder achieving a final score of 96.40 points, surpassing Constructora y Arrendadora López's 87.13 points (whose financial offer was 31.78 million pesos, approximately $1.83 million, excluding VAT). The tender documents determined that the proposal from Marinas y Urbanizaciones Gran Turismo was the most advantageous for the state. A total of five companies participated in the bid submission process, but only two offers were technically qualified and proceeded to economic evaluation. Bids from Ingeniería Proyectos y Construcciones IPC, Planeación y Desarrollo de Proyectos para la Construcción Fredmon, and Constructora Manzanillo were rejected due to insufficient work methods, inconsistent unit prices, lack of supporting documentation, insufficient financial capacity, or unacceptable pricing. This outcome differed from the bid opening on June 23, where the lowest offer came from Ingeniería Proyectos y Construcciones IPC at 15.05 million pesos (excluding VAT), but the award process comprehensively considered technical and economic factors, each weighted at 50 points. The decision, originally scheduled for June 26, was postponed and released on July 2. The contract was signed on July 9, construction commenced on July 11, and is scheduled to conclude on December 10, 2026, with an execution period of 153 calendar days. The project includes an advance payment equivalent to 30% of the contract amount, subject to the provision of corresponding guarantees. The expansion will take place at Berth No. 3 within the port area, aiming to increase bulk cargo berthing capacity, reduce operational times, and support the anticipated growth in agricultural products, minerals, and general cargo transportation, aligning with the modernization plan promoted by the branch.