IPCO withdraws from Gopalpur port project

Government sources, however, told The Indian Express that the consortium abandoned the project as it was not certain about the amount of cargo the port would be able to attract. The shelving of two mega steel projects 8212; one of the Tatas and the other of Lamp;T 8212; rendered the port project almost unviable, the source explained.

The Rs 3000-crore Gopalpur Port Development Project was planned for an expected cargo of 20 million tonne per annum. The port, proposed to be developed on BOOST basis by the year 2003, was to receive vessels of up to 1.5 lakh dwt havinga loaded draft of about 17 to 18 metres.

After the withdrawal of the Singapore Gopalpur Port Consortium, the state government is now exploring the possibility of involving either of the two other consortia that were in the final round of the race for the contract. They are ISP Singapore and Perkapalaan Bernard Consortium of Malaysia.The state government, with a view to upgrade the Gopalpur fair weather port into an international port, had invited global tenders to select a private company for the project. Out of the 64 global companies showing interest in the project, 15 were shortlisted and were asked to submit detailed proposals. However, only three submitted the proposals.

On the basis of the technical expertise, experience and efficiency in port building, and the recommendation of the consultant company, RITES, the state government selected Singapore Gopalpur Port Consortium for the development of the project. The state government also issued a letter of intent LoI on August 7, 1998, in favour ofthe consortium for signing the agreement.