The Ennore Port Ltd (EPL) has taken the first step towards constructing a multi-purpose cargo terminal with an annual capacity of two million tonnes. This is being planned in addition to the proposed Rs.1,270-crore mega container terminal.
According to the proposal, EPL has earmarked 13.5 hectares for development of the multi-purpose cargo terminal in public-private-partnership mode. It will be located between the iron ore terminal and the proposed mega container terminal.
The length of the new cargo berth will be 270 metres with 15 metres draught.
The proposed terminal will have two mobile cranes and a six-fork lift truck to handle clean cargo such as timber, granite, machinery, project cargo, steel, cement and fertilizers.
Cement and fertilizers will be handled only if they are moved through a closed conveyer system.
Costing Rs.151 crore, the terminal will be developed by a private party in 24 months on a Develop, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer basis, for which EPL proposes to distribute requests for qualifications to the interested parties within a week’s time. The last date for submission of technical bids is August 28.
A Port official said a pre-application conference would be held on August 12, in which queries relating to the proposed terminal will be answered. EPL plans to award the contract to the successful bidder by December.
“We already have three terminals to handle automobiles, liquefied natural gas and coal separately. Handling of iron ore has been banned. The mega container terminal is planned to handle containers alone, for which we are in the process of receiving technical bids from interested parties,” he added.
