Among the potential bidders are global terminal operators DP World and PSA International, both of which have existing developments in Indian ports. The others on the shortlist are domestic companies, including the developer of the successful private port Mundra in northwestern India.
Not on the list is a joint venture between APM Terminals and the Container Corp. of India (Concor). That venture, which operates under the name Gateway Terminals India, was awarded the previous concession for a terminal in Nhava Sheva.
This is the second round of bidding to determine a developer and operator for what would be the port's fourth container terminal. The first round was fraught with controversy and legal challenges when it was reported that India's shipping ministry would knock back any bid from an operator with a current stake in Nhava Sheva — a move that would have blocked APM Terminals and DP World since both operate terminals in the port.
However, DP World's inclusion on the second round shortlist suggests there were other concerns in the first round, such as bids that were financially unattractive to India's shipping ministry.
The fourth terminal at Nhava Sheva is sorely needed, with container volume spiking in the last 12 months and all three terminals running at or overcapacity. The port is India's largest, through which about 60 percent of the country's containerized goods pass.
