(With gfx below) Panaji: With multiple attempts to redevelop berth 9 falling short, the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) has now turned to maritime developers, port operators, consortiums, and investors, asking for proposals to redevelop, modernise, or operate berth 9 and an adjoining barge berth to handle general cargo on a public-private partnership (PPP) model.Earlier attempts to hand over the berth to Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) for a ship repair and refit facility failed to get any takers, and the Union ministry of ports, shipping and waterways has also declined the port’s request for Rs 1,300 crore to modernise the currently idle berth 9.According to the expression of interest document released by the port, the project aims to overhaul the existing facilities to meet contemporary maritime demands.Aside from modernising the existing berth infrastructure, the MPA wants to develop a mechanised and efficient general cargo handling facility. The port also wants to improve berth productivity while reducing vessel turnaround times. The average turnaround time of major ports across India stands at 48.8 hours while right now, MPA has a turnaround time of 66.3 hours.The port also wants to enhance overall cargo storage and logistics infrastructure while adopting energy-efficient technologies at the berth.MPA’s proposal offers 200-250m of waterfront area at berth 9, which was earlier used for handling iron ore for 30 years.Following the evaluation of responses to the EOI, the port authority plans to appoint technical consultants and transaction advisors to carry out detailed techno-economic studies. Only if the port finds a feasible solution will it go for a formal tendering process and a concession agreement with a private player.The MPA had submitted a proposal to Centre in mid-Jan to redevelop berth 9. The proposal had also sought funding for capital dredging. Minister for ports, shipping and waterways Sarbananda Sonowal told MPA that Centre wouldn’t provide funds for the port’s upgrade.WAITING IN THE WINGS* Commissioned in 1885, Mormugao Port stands as one of the oldest ports on the west coast of India* Located at the mouth of the Zuari river, it features a protected open-type natural harbour with a deep draft channel* Berth 9, which was used for export of iron ore, is the last berth that remains to be monetised by MPA* The major port attempted two years ago to redevelop berth 9 and three barge jetties through the PPP route* The proposal failed to take off due to uncertainty about the resumption of iron ore mining in Goa
