Ennore port to call fresh bids for Rs 1,407-cr

Ennore port has decided to a float fresh tender for its much-delayed Rs 1,407 port-cum-terminal project. The move comes as UK-based infrastructure fund Eredene Capital PLC, which had a 22 per cent stake in the project, withdrew citing the economic slowdown last September.

A senior official associated with the development said: "We're looking to float another global tender inviting parties to take part in the request for qualification (RFQ) process for the creation of a mega container terminal at Ennore." The decision to seek re-bids was taken at the recent board meeting. he said.

The port expects to award the tender before December and the project is likely to be completed in 30 months. The size of the terminal has been revised from the earlier 1,000 metre to around 750 metre, said the official.

Earlier in August 2010, Ennore Port had signed a concession agreement with Bay of Bengal Gateway Terminals Pvt Ltd (BoB) to develop the container terminal at Ennore port. Eredene Capital PLC was one of BoB's project partners.

The project, to be constructed in two phases on a build, operate and transfer model, involves public-private partnership for a concession period of 30 years.

The first phase is expected to cost Rs 1,270 crore and would have a capacity to handle 1.4 million tonne.