KoPT mulls re-tendering to find a replacement for HBT in Haldia

After failing to get a replacement for of India-French joint venture Haldia Bulk Terminmal (HBT)  in the first attempt, Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) has decided to go for re-tendering to find a operator in  two mechanized berth in its Haldia port.

"KoPT will go for re-entering. As the earlier tender is cancelled, the message is clear this time. The participants know what KoPT can afford," said a spokesperson of the  Kolkata Port Trust.

Kolkata Port Trust has failed to get a replacement of HBT, even four moths after HBT's exit citing unsafe working condition. Although, the tender floated seeking a replacement, has got responses from two firms – TM International Logistics Ltd and J M Baxi & Co—the handling charges quoted was “unaffordable” for KoPT. “It was even higher than the rate suggested by the guidelines of the tariff authority. KoPT can not afford such high charges,” a KoPTofficial said.

TM International Logistics Limited (TMIL), an arm of Tata Steel Limited, was the lower bidder. But, the handling charge quoted by it was even higher than the the handling charge of Rs 227 per tonne suggested by tariff authority guideline. “If TMIL is selected KoPT will incur huge loss. KoPT itself on an average charges arounf Rs 233 per tonne. We can pay more to the cargo-handlers without any margin,” the official said.

Incidentally, Haldia Bulk Terminals, a joint venture between homegrown ABG Infralogistics and French company Louis Dreyfus Armateurs , used to charge the Kolkata Port Trust Rs 75 per tonne of cargo, which was far below than upper limit suggested by the tariff authority.

KoPT officials said, it is yet to take a decision on future course of action to rope in operator for the berth, earlier operated by HBT.

HBT had signed an agreement with the KoPT to operate two mechanized berths till 2020.  However, HBT found itself in a political turmoil after the berth operator retrenched 275 employees citing low cargo allocation by KoPT. HBT had also alleged “vested interest” in diversion of cargo to the expensive manual berths, run by former Trinamool MP Swapan Sadhan Bose promoted Ripley & Co. This finally culminated HBT's exit from Haldia Dock Complex in November last year.