GMB invites bids for Rs 15,585 cr port projects

Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB), an autonomous body of Gujarat government, has invited request for qualification (RFQ) from bidders who have signed a memorandum of understanding (Mou) for Rs 15,585 crore projects including greenfield ports and ship yards.

"At the recent board meeting, GMB has asked all the bidders for the 35 port projects, to submit RFQs and the board, after scrutinising the investment proposals, will award the project soon," said GMB chief nautical officer S C Mathur.

GMB has also asked bidders to carry out techno-economic feasibility study, hydrographic surveys and investment plans for respective projects, Mathur said, adding that these studies should be carried out at their own cost. "The bidders must prepare investment proposals and cargo traffic estimates. The projects are likely to be awarded by early 2006 on build, own, operate and transfer (Boot) basis," he said.

GMB had earlier entered into an Mou for developing seven greenfield port projects, with an estimated investment of Rs 13,800 crore and 28 other projects, including constructing ship yards and jetties with an investment of Rs 1,785 crore.

Asked about the possibility of awarding projects for single tenders, Mathur said, the project which is having only a single developer, who had entered into the Mou would be awarded the project soon, as there is no competition.

Mumbai-based shipping company Mercator Lines Limited (MLL), is the only bidder for developing Vansi-Borsi port, with an estimated investment of Rs 300 crore, while Gulf Omkar is the only bidder for Simar port, with a proposed investment of Rs 2,100 crore."Though there is a possibility to award these projects to single bidders, they also need to carry out feasibility surveys, coupled with investment plans," the GMB's chief nautical officer said.

MLL is also bidding for developing Maroli port at Rs 6,000 crore, along with Adani Exports Limited, NG Group, Gulf Omkar, Balaji Infra and ABG Shipyard.

Other port projects under GMB include, developing multi-purpose port terminal at Navlakhi at Rs 600 crore and a shipyard at Jageshwar at Dahej for Rs 400 crore.