The Hindu Business Line : 11 cos submit EoIs for Vizhinjam terminal

A TOTAL of 11 companies, including three foreign entities, have submitted expressions of interest (EoIs) for the development of an international container transhipment terminal at Vizhinjam near here on build-own-transfer (BOT) basis.

The Ports Department of the Kerala Government had floated an invitation in this regard in December last year and the last date for submitting the EoIs was on March 31.

The foreign companies that have responded to the invitation are Dubai Ports International, National Port Authority of South Africa and Beckett Rankine and Company, London.

Of these, the South African agency has come forward in a consortium arrangement with Hyson Harbour Technologies, Boskalis International, the Netherlands, and Konkan Railway Corporation.

The others expressing interest in the project are Larsen & Toubro Ltd, Chennai; Afcons Infrastructure Ltd, Mumbai; ABG Heavy Industries Ltd, Mumbai; IL&FS and Hilico consortium, Mumbai; Hili Company (Malta) and Punj Lloyd consortium, Delhi; Adani Exports, Ahmedabad; East West Airlines, Mumbai and Gammon India Ltd, Mumbai.

Mr M.V. Raghavan, Minister for Ports, said here on Saturday that the companies would be asked to submit their technical and financial proposals and the final selection of the developer is likely to be made before July-end.

The first phase of the work, estimated to cost Rs 1,800 crore, comprises construction of five berths and this is scheduled to be completed by 2008. The total cost of the project is put at Rs 4,500 crore.

Referring to the other port development projects in the State, the Minister said the Mumbai-based Eeco Company in association with a Belgium group, had expressed interest in establishing a marina in Alappuzha. A memorandum of understanding with the company is likely to be signed shortly.

In the case of Beypore port, the department has signed a memorandum of understanding with Parissons group. The technical and financial proposal submitted by the group is currently under evaluation and it is hoped that a BOT agreement could be signed shortly.

For the development of the Azhikkal port, four companies have submitted EoIs and three of them have withdrawn subsequently for various reasons.

The remaining contender, Universal Petroleum of Sharjah, has been asked to submit a detailed proposal, Mr Raghavan said.

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