Mercator Lines has submitted expression of interest (EoI) to develop two ports in Gujarat at a combined cost of Rs 900 crore on a build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) basis."We have submitted EoIs to Gujarat Maritime Board to develop two minor ports in Gujarat at Maroli and Vansi Borsi. We are keen to develop the ports," Mercator Lines CMD H K Mittal said today.Mittal said the company is working out the financial implications and cargo prospects at the proposed sites, but nothing has been finalised yet.A senior company official said Mercator is planning to develop the two ports as major ports with multi-functionality, and added that it would continue to offer complete coal solutions.The Maroli port, located in Valsad district, is expected to handle cargo of 13.10 million tonne by 2010. The expected cargo at the port includes coal, clinker, cement, containers and LNG. "A lagoon type harbour is designed at the port at a cost of Rs 600 crore in its first phase," the official said.The Vansi Borsi port in Navsari district is expected to handle 7.5 million tonne of cargo including crude oil, oil products, LPG and chemicals. The cost for the first phase of operations is Rs 300 crore, he added.
