The country's premier port Mumbai Port Trust is planning to bid for Rs 5,000 crore (Rs 50 billion) fourth container terminal project at Jawaharalal Nehru Port Trust, a premier container port of the country which handle over 58 per cent of the container traffic.
The Mumbai Port would be bidding by joining the mega public sector alliance formed by Shipping Corporation of India that has already submitted expression of interest for the project.
MbPT Chairperson Rani Jadhav confirmed the development saying, "We are considering the proposal of SCI to bid for JNPT's container terminal project as there could be a possible synergy of operations."
"Before joining the mega PSU alliance, we will have to secure clearance and approval from the board of MbPT and ministry of shipping," Jadhav said.
Including SCI, 41 players had submitted EoI for the fourth container terminal at JN Port. Berth of the proposed terminal will be 2 kilometre long, which will make the largest container terminal in the country.
Industry analysts said the cash rich PSUs, with their expertise in respective logistics operations, will have edge in bidding and operational
Sources said more PSUs are set to join this mega PSU alliance to bid for the project. The international partner for the project is world's second largest container shipping company Mediterranean Shipping Company, that has also expertise in terminal handling.
"Saraf Group of Dubai and Hind Terminals may also join the alliance for JNPT's fourth container terminal. PSUs will own 50 per cent and remaining by private players," sources added.
Meanwhile, MbPT, after the postponement of 18 times, has decided to invite technical and financial bids on November 10 from 10 shortlisted players for Rs 1,200 crore (Rs 12 billion) offshore container terminal.
The bidding of this project has been delayed for two years due to delay in security clearance of Hong Kong-based port major Hutchison Port Holdings, which has tied up with Larsen & Toubro for bidding for OCT. Following the denial of clearance to HPH, L&T had tied up with Philippines based port International Container Terminal Services Inc.
MbPT official said there will not be further extensions as the required security clearance for ICTSI would come during the time of technical evaluation of bids. "The port will not open the financial bids of L&T till the security clearance is received," he added.