A Gorham-based construction company is the apparent low bidder on a multimillion-dollar project that will result in the expansion of the International Marine Terminal in Portland.

State and local officials say the terminal expansion should further strengthen the city’s reputation as a destination port and will allow Eimskip – an Icelandic company – to continue shipping goods to and from businesses throughout Maine. The terminal is located on Commercial Street.

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Shaw Brothers Construction of Gorham submitted a low bid of $8.6 million on s project to expand the International Marine Terminal in Portland and connect it with existing rail lines. Shawn Patrick Ouellette / Staff Photographer

The Maine Department of Transportation said Wednesday that Shaw Brothers Construction of Gorham submitted a low bid of $8.6 million, about $900,000 less than anticipated. The project will expand the terminal west of the Casco Bay Bridge, connecting it with existing rail lines.

“This is an exciting and important step toward connecting Maine businesses to the world,” DOT Commissioner David Bernhardt said in a media release. “Governor LePage and I have worked closely with the Maine Port Authority to bring Eimskip, the Icelandic steamship company, to this port that they now call home.”

MDOT spokesman Ted Talbot said it will take about three weeks for the state to review the details of Shaw Brothers’ bid before it is officially awarded. Construction could begin as early as September.

The total project cost, including engineering and property acquisition, is estimated to be $18 million. Talbot said the state will pay for the costs of the project, which is expected to be completed by August 2015.

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