Again, PSA emerges highest bidder for JN Port terminal.

PSA International once again emerged as the highest bidder for the Rs. 8,000-crore fourth container terminal at Jawaharlal Nehru Port, near Mumbai-more than two years after it won the same project, but refused to sign the contract, forcing the port authorities to go for re-bidding.

This time, the Singapore-based global port operator offered to share 35.79 per cent of the revenue with the Government, nearly 16 per cent lower than what it quoted last time.

PSA, the largest container terminal operator in the world, already runs a terminal at Chennai port and has a 62 per cent stake in a container terminal at Tuticorin. It also secured an operational contract at Kolkata port recently. Contract for port projects under the public-private partnership scheme is awarded to the bidder willing to offer the highest revenue share.

Out of the seven shortlisted parties, only two turned up to submit the price bids, which opened recently, said JNPT Chairman NN Kumar.

The other bidder was Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, which quoted 29 per cent revenue share.

This is the second tender for the project, which was delayed for years due to disputes and litigation.

HBL