Estonia, Legislation, Transport

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Estonia’s EcoMin rejects Väinamere Liinid island ferry offer

BC, Tallinn, 23.09.2014.Print version
The Estonian Ministry of Economy will start direct negotiations to find an operator to the mainland-Hiiumaa island and mainland-Saaremaa island ferry routes, since the offer made by Väinamere Liinid was declared non-compliant, LETA/Public Broadcasting reports.

Just one bid was submitted by deadline last week for the international procurement of ferry services between the mainland and the islands – by the current operator Väinamere Liinid.

 

"The bidder did not meet the qualification conditions. Accordingly, the Ministry will start direct negotiations with potential service providers," said the Ministry of Economy.

 

Head of the Ministry's Aviation and Maritime Department Jaak Kaabel confirmed that ferry transport with the islands will definitely continue in the autumn of 2016 in at least the same volume as now. He stressed that the state has enough time to find a solution.


The negotiated tender procedure will take place over the next two months without essentially changing the procurement conditions.

 

"This means that the state still wants four new or slightly used ships for the routes, which should begin operating on October 1, 2016. At the same time the state has the right to buy out the ships in the future," highlighted the ministry.

 

The starting time for the next period of the ferry contract is October 1, 2016 and the contract duration is 10 years.

 

At the direct negotiations, the state-owned Port of Tallinn is likely to get a chance, who did not participate in the procurement, because the company could not ensure that they can acquire the necessary ships by the deadline.

 

Port of Tallinn board member Allan Kiil said last week that if the Ministry rejects Väinamere Liinid offer and begins direct negotiations, the company would be happy to agree to participate.






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