KoPT strives to keep HBT running at Haldia

The Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) is trying to keep the doors open for negotiations with ABG-LDA promoted Haldia Bulk Terminal, keeping alive hope of offer of higher cargo, while seeking legal measures to stop the private cargo handler from suspending operations in Haldia.

"We have received another letter from KoPT in which they have again called for a joint committee to find a solution. They have not yet offered additional cargo assurance. We are examining the contents," HBT CEO Gurpreet Malhi told PTI.

KoPT had sent letter after an emergency meeting of the Board of Trustees on September 7 on proposed suspension of operations by HBT.

According to sources, KoPT in the letter without giving a commitment on extra cargo to HBT stated that issues would be looked into for which a joint committee has been suggested.

Sources said at the board meeting, the members pointed out that the private operator could not withdraw from operations in haste when the contract was for 10 years.

Moreover, the port would require at least 6-12 months for a replacement in case HBT stopped operations.

The board would meet again on September 14 to take stock of the situation and decide the course of action. KoPT chairman Manish Jain did not respond to phone calls.

KoPT had taken legal measure to prevent HBT from stopping operations. After this, HBT had assured of continuing operations till at least September 12.

HBT in their notice to KoPT had demanded at least 7.5 lakh tonne of combined cargo in the two berths against close to 5 lakh tonne they were currently operating in Haldia.

KoPT earns Rs 150 per tonne of cargo handled from berths no 2 and 8, which results in an earning of Rs 80-90 crore a year.