PSA and JNPT get back on track

The group, which is the world’s largest container port operator, was initially set to sign the contract two years ago, but apparently delayed the signing due to a disagreement with India’s Tariff Authority for Major Ports (TAMP).

PSA asked for an extension which was dismissed by Jawarharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and things turned sour when the port instead made a recommendation to the government that PSA be blacklisted from investing in future Indian projects.

Now, a PSA spokesperson told Port Strategy: “We confirm that PSA is the highest bidder in the tender for the development of the fourth container terminal in Jawarharlal Nehru Port in India.”

This contract fits in with the container port operator’s plans to boost its presence in India and invest in “new growth markets” in 2014.

PSA recently won a container handling contract with Union government-run Kolkata Port. Under the contract, the group will handle containers from five berths at the port’s Netaji Subhas Dock.

ABG Kolkata Container terminal Pvt Ltd, a joint venture between ABG Infralogistics and PSA, already handles containers from two berths at Kolkata. ABG owns a 51% stake in the terminal, with PSA holding the balance. The 10-year contract for the existing two berths will end in November.