Technical Consulting Services to Support Transaction Advisory Services for the Greenfield Tibar Bay PPP

Challenge

Timor-Leste has long relied on a single national port located in the capital, Dili. However, with the rapid growth of the national economy and the implementation of an ambitious public infrastructure development programme, the port’s limited capacity and functionality have proven insufficient to meet rising cargo volumes.

To address this bottleneck and support sustainable economic expansion, the Government of Timor-Leste identified the need for additional maritime infrastructure. A key initiative in this context is the development of two new seaports, including the strategically located Tibar Port in the north of the country. Planned as a greenfield development, the Tibar Port project encompasses the construction of a modern wharf, onshore facilities, extensive dredging operations, and a dedicated access road linking the port to Dili.

Recognising the need for private sector participation, the Government mandated the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to identify a viable transaction structure. As part of this process, the IFC commissioned HPC to conduct an expert review of the Draft Concept Master Plan and provide targeted technical advisory services. These services focused on ensuring best practices in project execution and supporting the design and management of a transparent and competitive bidding process.

This project underscores HPC’s commitment to supporting port development strategies that are economically impactful, technically robust, and aligned with long-term national priorities.

Tasks Performed

• Conducted strategic, commercial, and economic analysis, including 25-year traffic forecasts and sensitivity assessments

• Evaluated the existing Concept Master Plan from a technical and operational standpoint

• Developed Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scenarios, including assessments of public subsidies, revenue models, and cost estimates

• Prepared technical design specifications for PPP tendering, covering infrastructure, superstructure, terminal layout, and operations

• Performed economic and social cost-benefit analysis

• Advised IFC’s pre-marketing campaign on technical and engineering matters

• Reviewed the Transaction Structuring Report with a focus on technical and operational feasibility

• Assisted IFC’s legal advisors in drafting contract documentation

• Supported the bidding process by contributing to the definition of technical specifications and requirements

Benefit

HPC provided comprehensive technical and strategic advisory to enable the successful development and tendering of Tibar Port as a sustainable PPP project. Our expertise ensured long-term economic viability, optimized infrastructure planning, and private sector participation.