Kolkata Port Trust hopes to resolve issues with ABG Group

The Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) is working to resolve issues with the ABG Group pertaining to their threat of withdrawing operations from Haldia, a top official said.

“We had a marathon meeting with ABG officials. Though their issues are outside the purview of contract agreements we are trying to find a solution. Discussions are still going on and we will have another meeting next week,” KoPT chairman Manish Jain told PTI.

ABG Haldia Bulk Terminals, arm of ABG Infralogistics, has threatened to stop dry bulk cargo operations in Haldia from September 7. The threat came after issues like low cargo and labour related problems were cited, among others, as reasons for ABG’s inability to continue.

Jain said ABG, which operates at Haldia berth no 2 and 8 out of 10 berths, was requested not to take a “harsh” decision, but there still was no indication on relaxation of the withdrawal threat.

KoPT officials, however, were hopeful that a solution would emerge in next meeting.

According to sources, KoPT has told ABG at the meeting that they could not do anything about a large workforce, but would look into law and order issues, if any.

High workforce due to political reasons was a key factor for posting losses despite ABG getting over 40 per cent of the total dry bulk cargo movement from Haldia dock.

ABG had asked for 9 million tonne minimum cargo in a year, but their was no assurance from KoPT for cargo flow in the contract.

ABG had won the competitive bid for dry bulk cargo at these two berths in 2009 for 10 years.