Final bids were originally due for submission last Friday but an extension was requested by an unknown number of bidders according to the port’s website – due to “unexpected developments like the Mumbai blasts”. But the website did not mention Shipping Corp of India directly – this came from Kerala Chief Minister himself. “SCI being a shipping major whose participation in the project is highly valued by the state, we have decided to extend the deadline,” said Oommen Chandy, Kerala Chief Minister.
Earlier this month Kerala State Government shortlisted 12 bidders to build and operate the container, bulk and cruise port at India’s southern tip, with a planned first phase opening date of 2015.
The port is a natural deepwater port so there is no dredging works required, considerably simplifying the construction process. The winning bidder will – in collaboration with the State Government – draw up the design of the USD987 million project and will be responsible for financing, building, operating and maintaining the port for the term of the concession, which has not yet been determined. Work on the terminal, breakwater and reclamation is expected to start after completion of the environmental impact study early 2012.
International Finance Corp, a member of the World Bank Group, is the lead transaction adviser for the project.