Honduras starts studies to build a port in Amapala
Honduras has received funds to contract pre-investment research services for two logistics projects: a maritime bridge and a port in Amapala in the Gulf of Fonseca. The Central Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) approved a USD 207 million loan last November. According to CABEI, the operation is among the projects that Honduras has prioritized in the Master Plan for the Development of the Gulf of Fonseca, an initiative launched following the participation of the presidents of the three countries in the waters of the territory.
Amapala is an island that housed the port of Amapala, which one or two centuries ago was the deep-water port of the Gulf of Fonseca. The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) conducted a study in which it was determined that the depth of the port is about 28 meters, which may mean that it will be an ideal port for ports of entry.
The bridge will extend from Amapala, on Isla del Tigre, to the mainland community of Quilito. For the execution of this project and for it to be a successful investment, aspects such as the height of the sediments, strong tides and seismic movements are being taken into consideration.
In previous years there were many attempts to move forward with this project, but the cost was one of the biggest obstacles. Therefore, the Honduran government has requested technical assistance from the regional bank to carry it out for an estimated value of USD 207 million.
The approved loan will be carried out in three phases. The first phase consisted of USD 8 million and included essentially all pre-investment for the bridge and dock, including bathymetry, marine depth survey and land planning on the island. According to the plan, in this first phase the bridge and pier design will be carried out. In the second phase, for USD 170 million, the bridge over the sea is already contemplated.
It is expected that by 2023 the bidding for the physical work will be issued and by 2024 it is expected to start and everything, including the port, will be completed by 2026.
Godofredo Siercke
Partner
García & Bodán
Honduras