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Israel Ports Company (IPC) has published a tender for the operation of a coastal transfer service (feeder service) for containers between the Haifa port area and the Ashdod port area using a dedicated vessel. The move is intended to expand the use of domestic maritime transport, reduce congestion on intercity roads, streamline the national supply chain, and strengthen the competitiveness of Israel's ports.
The tender is based on a unique model that includes a dynamic safety net for the vessel operator to reduce commercial risk during the run-in period, alongside direct financial incentives for service users.
Tender Specifications and Timelines
Frequency and Equipment: The operator will be required to operate a dedicated vessel with a length of up to 150 meters, performing at least two calls per week in each of the port areas (Haifa and Ashdod).
Contract Period: 12 months, with an option for an extension of up to 24 additional months at the discretion of IPC.
User Incentives: A financial grant will be provided for every standard container (TEU) transferred via the coastal service, to encourage shipping companies, freight forwarders, and importers to prefer maritime transport over land transport on the North-South corridor.
The deadline for submitting clarification questions is set for August 20, 2026, and the final deadline for submitting tender bids is October 11, 2026.
CEO of Israel Ports Company, Pinhas Tzruya: "The publication of this tender is a significant step in promoting domestic maritime transport in Israel. This is an innovative model that combines creating certainty for the operator with clear incentives to increase commercial activity. The success of this move will help reduce road congestion, strengthen the national supply chain, and provide the economy with an efficient, advanced, and more environmentally friendly transport alternative. Israel Ports Company will continue to invest in innovative solutions that will strengthen the status of Israel's ports as the leading trade gateways of the State of Israel."
