Date:07/12/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/12/07/stories/2004120701190700.htm

Back Tuticorin port to offer eighth berth to private operators

Our Bureau

Chennai , Dec. 6

THE Tuticorin Port Trust (TPT) plans to develop the eighth berth as a container terminal through private participation on a build, operate and transfer (BOT) basis.

The existing private container terminal, operated by PSA Sical, can handle up to 4 lakh-5 lakh TEUS (twenty foot equivalent units) even after providing additional equipment. However, the port's container throughput is likely to be much more in future, and hence there is a need for another container terminal, says a TPT release.

Equipping and operations of additional container berth requires investment of around Rs 150 crore.

The port trust will spend around Rs 230 crore for further development of inner harbour by constructing five additional berths with supporting infrastructure.

It is, therefore, imperative to offer berth number 8 to the private operator for container berth on a BOT basis, the release said.