Cochin Port Trust Shipyard project attracts many firms

Cochin Port Trust’s Rs 800 crore project for setting up a ship-building and repair facility has attracted many firms which have shown interest in the project. The bids are said to close on August 22. As many as seven firms have expressed interest for the project which is to be carried out on Public-Private-Partnership basis. According to Mr.Paul Antony, Port Trust Chairman, some companies are visiting the site. According to a senior port official, the port proposes to develop the existing facility on par with the international standards for repair and maintenance. The new facility will come up on 17 hectares with a water front of 850 meters.  Indeed, the easy accessibility to rail, road and shipping channels will prove a real advantage to the new project.  The strike-free atmosphere in the port since 2009 will also be a favourable point for the project.  The present workshop complex which remains underutilized will be given for the new facility for a period of 30 years. Of the seven firms showing interest in the project, mention can be made of Cochin Shipyard Limited and Bahrain-based Sultan Marine International.

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