At the re-launch of the tender, HPH found that elements of the operator’s previous bid had been incorporated into the new Request for Proposals.
This, said HPH, placed it at a “competitive disadvantage”.
The deadline for tendering bids was today, having been extended from June 15 to compensate for changes that were introduced to the terms and conditions.
A total of 15 companies bought bid documents, including Maersk, APL, HPH and China Shipping, although it is unclear which will see the process throught to submission. Three large domestic companies were also reportedly interested in the concession.