The Maharashtra state government has licensed the development of the Dighi and Rewas ports to Dighiport and Ammaline, respectively.

A pact to this effect was signed by the 2 companies with the Maharashtra Maritime Board (licensor) on 17 March 2002.

The 2 ports would be developed on build-own-operate-transfer basis. The concession period of the contract for both ports is 50 years, including a 5-year construction period. However, the debt equity ratios for these projects are still being finalised.

The development cost of Dighi port is estimated at Rs.1,500 crore. The first phase of this project would comprise setting up 2 liquid cargo terminals to carry crude, chemicals and LNG, while the second phase would involve setting up a cargo terminal. This port has a natural draft of 4-5 metres and a potential to be increased to 21 metres.

The development cost of the Rewas port is estimated at Rs.1,200 crore. This port has a natural draft of 7 metres, which could be increased to 16-18 metres. The first phase of the development project, envisages setting up 5 berths – 2 each for bulk cargo and container cargo and 1 for petrochemicals. According to Ammaline, the first ship is expected to call at Rewas port within 2 years. The second phase would involve setting up an LNG terminal at Rewas. Wapcos India has made a study on the feasibility of the Rewas port.