KPT invites global bids for container terminal at Tuna

Over Rs 3,000 cr project to have capacity of 1.5 mn TEUs

India's largest major port, Kandla Port Trust (KPT) has invited global bids for setting up a container terminal at Tuna -Tekra near Kandla Port. The port authority has invited expression of interests (EOIs) from global majors for setting up the container terminal on build, operate and transfer (BOT) basis for container vessels having capacity up to 18000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

The project will be developed on public private partnership (PPP) basis with 30 years of concession period for the operator. According to official sources, the bidders will be required to prepare a feasibility study report along with a statement of total investment required and expected revenue generation.

However, according to the preliminary feasibility study, the projected capacity of the container terminal is around 1.5 million TEUs. Last year, Mumbai-based marine consultancy provider, Zebec Marine Consultants and Services was appointed for the techno-feasibility study of the project.

"Tentatively it can be said that the terminal can have the capacity of 1.5 million TEUs annually. And the preliminary study showed that an investment of around Rs 3000 crore will be required for the project," informed a senior KPT official on condition of anonymity.

"The business through containers is rising. Already KPT has two container berths, but considering the demand for container infrastructure, this project has been taken up," said the official.

According to officials, the partner for the terminal project will be appointed by the end of the financial year 2013-14. The last date for submission of EOIs is April 2, 2013.

Currently, there are 12 cargo berths at Kandla Port, out of which 10 are for handling dry cargo and 2 berths are used for handling container cargo.

The combined current capacity of the two container handling berths is about 7.2 million twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU). The existing berths are located within the Kandla creek.

The Tuna-Tekra area has been identified by KPT to develop the port facilities beyond Kandla creek. The proposed container terminal is located 10 kilometers from Tuna.

It may be noted that Adani Group-owned Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) was awarded a dry bulk terminal project for handling 14 million tonnes of cargo per annum at Tekra. The project cost is Rs 1060 crore.