Operator sought for new Indian terminal
India's MARG Constructions Ltd is looking for an operator to run container and other cargo handling operations at the port of Karaikal in Puducherry.
The Mumbai-listed infrastructure development firm is building a deep-water port complex at the port of Karaikal, on the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast.
Chennai-based MARG Constructions has signed a 30-year agreement with the Puducherry government to develop and operate a new port at Karaikal.
The agreement, which allows MARG Constructions to invite partners, calls for the port to be developed to handle more than 10 million metric tonnes (mt) of cargo per year.
Reports say that the first phase, costing some $105 million (416 crore) will begin operations in October 2008, with two common berths to handle coal and general cargo including containers.
The two berths have been scheduled for a maximum depth of 14 metres, which will allow ships with a cargo capacity of 60,000 tonnes to call.
Second phase development will deepen both channel and berth depth to 16 metres, allowing ships with a cargo capacity of 100,000 tonnes to call.
Second phase development will also provide a dedicated berth exclusively for container handling.
Currently, shipments from or bound for central Tamil Nadu are taken by rail or road to either the ports of Chennai, Tuticorin or Ennore before they are shipped to their final destinations.
The port of Karaikal is 250 kilometres south of Chennai port and 360 kilometres north of Tuticorin.
Reports say that Karaikal's eventual operator will have the freedom to set port and terminal handling tariffs without consultation or regulation.
India's government owned ports have tariffs are set by a tariff regulator such as the Tariff Authority for Major Ports (TAMP).
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| The terminal will be able to handle 10 million mt of cargo a year |
Chennai-based MARG Constructions has signed a 30-year agreement with the Puducherry government to develop and operate a new port at Karaikal.
The agreement, which allows MARG Constructions to invite partners, calls for the port to be developed to handle more than 10 million metric tonnes (mt) of cargo per year.
Reports say that the first phase, costing some $105 million (416 crore) will begin operations in October 2008, with two common berths to handle coal and general cargo including containers.
The two berths have been scheduled for a maximum depth of 14 metres, which will allow ships with a cargo capacity of 60,000 tonnes to call.
Second phase development will deepen both channel and berth depth to 16 metres, allowing ships with a cargo capacity of 100,000 tonnes to call.
Second phase development will also provide a dedicated berth exclusively for container handling.
Currently, shipments from or bound for central Tamil Nadu are taken by rail or road to either the ports of Chennai, Tuticorin or Ennore before they are shipped to their final destinations.
The port of Karaikal is 250 kilometres south of Chennai port and 360 kilometres north of Tuticorin.
Reports say that Karaikal's eventual operator will have the freedom to set port and terminal handling tariffs without consultation or regulation.
India's government owned ports have tariffs are set by a tariff regulator such as the Tariff Authority for Major Ports (TAMP).
Cowan Thant Zin | Thu Oct 18 07:38 GMT 2007