Big interest for Vizhinjam Port development contract

Monday, 22 August 2011 00:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

NEW DELHI: A consortium of Welspun Infratech, Welspun Corporation and Leighton Welspun Contractors will be in direct contention with Adani Group firm Mundra Port and Special Economic Zone (MPSEZ) for a lucrative contract to develop the proposed Vizhinjam Port in Kerala.

The project received initial bids from as many as 14 companies, out of which 12 bidders were asked to submit technical and financial bids.

The State Government of Kerala has decided to develop the Vizhinjam port under a Landlord Port Model.

Under this model, the basic infrastructure requirements for the port and external connectivity (road and rail) will be developed by Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited – a special purpose vehicle set up by the Kerala Government to implement the port project – through an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract.

The port operator, on the other hand, would construct the superstructure for port operations and the terminal and operate and maintain the same for a period of 30 years, an official statement said.

On completion of technical evaluation under the two-stage tender, the financial bids of qualified companies shall be opened.

The port operator’s inputs shall be considered during preparation of the Master Plan for the port and also during EPC construction.

The operator would also be responsible for the design, engineering, financing and construction of the superstructure.

It would also operate, maintain and manage the terminal.