Kandla Port Trust is likely to select the final developer for the Rs.200 crore container terminal project at the port over the next few days, it is learnt. There are three bidders in the fray - ABG Heavy Industries, Gammon India and Afcons.

P&O Ports, which operates the Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal (JNPT) and the Chennai Container Terminal, was the first to show interest in the project. However, over some disagreements regarding the concession agreement, it pulled out of the race.

Kandla port has proposed to realign the container terminal project and to have it constructed and operated on a BOT basis on Berths No.11 and 12, which have a combined quay length of 545 m and a draft of 12.5 m.

Berth No.12, which is at present being developed, is expected to be ready for use by end October 2005.

As per the fresh plan drawn up by Kandla port, the selected bidder will be required to commission full-fledged container-handling operations at berth no. 12 (with at least two new rail mounted quay cranes/ RMQCs) within 24 months of the signing of the lease agreement.

However, the selected party will have to commence container-handling operations at berth no. 11, which is ready for use, within eight months of the signing of the agreement with an adequate number of RMQCs and mobile harbour cranes.

Kandla Port has projected a throughput of 1.5 lakh TEUs in the first year and 4.50 lakh TEUs in the fifth year of operation for the terminal.

Also See:

Three in race for Kandla box termimal (11-Mar-05)