Chennai unhappy with Ennore box terminal development

Difficulties in reaching the tsunami stricken areas can be overcome with the use of the multimodal facilities available in Johor which is close to Sumatra. The port says the multimodal synergy between Senai and PTP will enable effective redistribution of essential relief items by sea or air.

Nine major stevedoring groups have already expressed interest in the project which will be taken forward as a BOT contract. The proposed terminal will have a capacity of one million TEUs, a 700 metre long quay, with alongside depth in the region of 15-18 metres.

An award is expected in the second half of 2005. Unlike near rival Chennai Container Terminal which is managed by P&O ports, Ennore will be free to set its own tariffs since it is a privately owned concern. The project is opposed by the port of Chennai. Ennore was originally established as a facility for handling coal and iron ore that previously made use of Chennai, but has since diversified into containers, LNG, chemicals and liquid bulk.