Expression of Interest are invited for Advancing BRWTP1: Private Sector, Green and Digital Service & Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement. Publication Date: 09/08/2025 12:00 AM EDT EOI Deadline: 09/23/2025 11:59 PM EDT Objectives: The objective of this study is to provide technical assistance to the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) in facilitating private investment in IWT infrastructure development, operations, and services, contributing to climate transition and enhancing the financial viability of IWT services, greening and digitalizing the IWT sector, and enhancing inclusiveness and sustainability. The specific objectives include: · Assessing opportunities and challenges for private sector participation in IWT sector in Bangladesh. · Proposing policy, regulatory, and procedural reforms to attract private investment. · Develop roadmap of transition to environment-friendly operations through greening the IWT sector. · Propose a framework and plan for enhancing the inclusiveness and sustainability of IWT services through digitalization including mechanism to receive feedback and needs of users. · Recommend specific schemes to include women entrepreneurs in the development, operations and management of IWT services. · Provide two PPP investment project options through detailed case assessment using financial analytical models. Scope of Work: The technical advisory service firm will undertake the following tasks: A. Assessment of Opportunities and Challenges in IWT and Private Sector Participation: 1) Conduct a comprehensive literature review of existing studies and reports on IWT and private sector participation. 2) Perform consultations with key stakeholders, including government officials, private operators, industry experts and women to gather insights and perspectives. 3) Conduct field visits to selected IWT corridors and facilities to observe and assess the current state and potential for development. 4) Identify the growth potential of IWT and development of infrastructure and services with opportunities for private investment. 5) Analyze lessons from global good practices, techno-financial feasibility, and financial modeling for private investment. 6) Assess public-financed support to foster private investment. 7) Evaluate the Government of Bangladeshs commitment to reform implementation and the sensitization of the private sector to investment opportunities in the IWT sector. 8) Assess the present Government control over terminals and lack of facilities management, current services status and vessel operations. 9) Identify the regulatory hurdles including current regulations and policies that may impede private sector involvement. 10) Identify the technological gaps including outdated vessels and lack of digitalization. 11) Identify the opportunities of infrastructure development & management including building, operating, and maintaining terminals and facilities. 12) Assess the private investment opportunities in modern, eco-friendly green logistics solutions. 13) Based on the above analysis: a) Identify potential cases for public private partnership (PPP) in development and management of different elements of IWT Sector namely waterways, surveys, aids to navigation, ports/terminals/ghats/landing stations, marketing (cargo aggregation, forwarding and distribution) and vessels. b) Provide recommendations for policy, regulatory, and procedural reforms to unleash private investment in the IWT sector. B. Financial & Economic Assessment: 1) For the potential identified cases in A [13 (a)] for at least two cases for each element: a) Create comprehensive financial projections, including revenue sources, cost recovery mechanisms, and profitability scenarios for private investors. b) Assess the impact of key variables on financial viability, and document assumptions related to cost and revenue assessment. c) Prepare cost-benefit analysis, payback period, Financial IRR, and related assessments to evaluate investment opportunities. d) Develop an investment plan for the PPP/ other form of private sector participation model, including expected outcomes and minimum concession agreement duration. 2) Using details of the PPP plans in B (1) for any one example IWT Corridor e.g. Narayanganj-Chattogram: a) Analyze government revenues (taxes, levies, customs duties, guarantee/on-lending margins), impact on government debt, employment generation, regional development, and benefits to affected people. b) Evaluate economic aspects of target markets, including demand projections for a minimum of 10-15 years and alternative options to meet projected demand. c) Review the macroeconomic context of the project to provide an understanding of the economys overall performance and outlook, and of how specific macroeconomic factors may affect project performance. d) Determine the economic model considering macroeconomic variables and national economic contributions, including Economic IRR and Economic NPV. e) Suggest the best possible PPP option and provide SWOT and sensitivity analysis for the same. C. Project Implementation Structure Recommendation: 1) Using the best possible PPP option in B2(e) above or other option propose a viable project implementation structure and commercial model for executing same and: a) Recommend an optimal financial model for the project, incorporating well-defined risk allocation, efficient cost recovery mechanisms, and appealing financing options for potential private investors. b) Design the project structure to maximize the projects bankability and to f its financial success through an effective transaction. D. Greening, Waste & Pollution Management, and Digitalizing IWT Services on Ashuganj Chattogram Corridor: 1) Assess the conditions of inland waterway vessels operating on the corridor, including their efficiency and financial viability. 2) Investigate opportunities for private sector involvement in replacing outdated vessels with climate-friendly alternatives, including the introduction of green and sustainable technology. 3) Evaluate contamination issues, particularly those related to solid and liquid waste management along riverbanks and navigable waterways. This includes addressing shipborne waste, industrial waste, and riverbank solid waste, which contribute to the degradation of river water quality. 4) Offer recommendations on sustainable waste management practices that can be implemented to enhance river water quality and reduce environmental and public health risks. 5) Propose digital solutions for IWT services, such as unified digital ticketing systems, vessel chartering, freight management, and other relevant services to improve efficiency. Develop framework for development of IT solution including RFP document with Software Requirements Specification (SRS) document for same. 6) Develop a roadmap to improve the environment indicators by implementing the paragraphs 2 to 5 above. E. Stakeholder Engagement, Regulatory Feasibility, and Institutional building: 1) Develop a dialogue platform for policymakers, private investors, and users of IWT services. 2) Encourage the participation of women entrepreneurs and users on the dialogue platform. 3) Identify potential legal or regulatory barriers to implementation of IWT specific PPP projects and recommend robust mitigation strategies, consider collaboration with relevant stakeholders. 4) Develop an institutional development plan for BIWTA. Propose reform recommendations to enhance the profitability and financial viability of BIWTA. 5) Identify measures to enhance the usability of IWT services for women and physically challenged passengers. 6) Identify key players who may bid for the PPP case study options F. Environmental and Social Assessment of the PPP project identified in paragraph- C (1): 1) Conduct an environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) considering the proposed development and addresses potential environmental and social impacts of the project including impacts on livelihoods, health, and gender equality. 2) As part of this exercise, the consulting team will review the environmental and social issues on the site, including resettlement, if required, and a comprehensive review of the key issues. 3) Prepare an environmental and social management plan (ESMP) as per the World Bank ESF. 4) Conduct climate change vulnerability and risk assessment for the project area to identify vulnerability of the planned infrastructure, and adaptation measures to be incorporated into the project design. G. Gender Gaps Identification and Mitigation Measures: 1) Identify gender gaps in the IWT sector from both perspectives i.e. as user and service provider (entrepreneur). 2) Evaluate whether there are any positive or negative impacts on gender Ensures that gender impacts are systematically evaluated and integrated in the assessment. 3) Propose measures to mitigate these gaps and promote gender inclusiveness. Methodology and Implementation Approach: The study shall employ a combination of desk research, stakeholder consultations, and field visits. Both qualitative and quantitative methods shall be used to gather and analyze data. Key activities will include: 1) Literature review of existing studies and reports on IWT and private sector participation. 2) Assess the techno-financial feasibility of replacing fossil-fuel-based vessels with modern electric vessels. Tender Link : https://wbgeprocure-rfxnow.worldbank.org/rfxnow/public/advertisement/5875/view.html
