The companies have submitted their ‘Expression of Interest’ for CPT’s proposed bunkering terminal project, which is estimated to cost $31-37 million (1.5-1.8 billion rupees).
”We’ll take two months to select the company,” the official told Bunkerworld.
The Central Government is currently inspecting the proposals. Clearance from security agencies, the Public Private Participation Appraisal Committee and the Tariff Authority for Major Ports is needed before entrusting a company with work on the project, said CPT Chairman N Ramachandran.
After the bidder for the construction of the bunker jetty has been chosen, CPT will issue another tender to invite operators of the terminal, in which foreign companies would be able to participate, the official said.
Construction work on the jetty for the terminal is scheduled to start during the first half of 2010 and it is expected to be operational sometime in 2011.
The proposed terminal, to be constructed on Puthuvype Island, one of the two Special Economic Zones (SEZ) promoted by CPT, will be the first of its kind to cater to international ships passing India’s southern coast.
The bunkering terminal is significant as the Vallarpadam International Container Transshipment Terminal will be commissioned by March 2010.