MbPt extends deadline for container project

Marking a new record in project delays, Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) has extended its bidding deadline for its Rs 1,200 crore offshore container terminal project for the 15th time.

The port has extended the bidding deadline to October 20 from October 9.

This extension was due to delay in security clearance for International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI) of Philippines, which is bidding along with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for the project.

Following the government's denial of security clearance for its former partner Chinese major Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH), L&T had tied up with ICTSI for this container terminal project.

Sources close to the development said eight players, out of total 11 shortlisted bidders, have backed out of the race for this container terminal project.

Mumbai Port Secretary P Mohana Chandran confirmed the extension of deadline adding "however, we have not received any information of bidders pulling out from the race."

Sources said the persistent delay of this project will escalate the cost by 10 per cent. Mumbai Port Deputy Chairman Ashok Bal said: "The cost may go up. The port has no control in project delay."

Mumbai Port had earlier shortlisted 11 parties including Evergreen Marine, Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), Dubai Ports World, United Liner Agencies India, Gammon India, ABG Heavy Industries, AP Moller Finance SA and Adani Exports.