+
Centre Encourages PPP Approach for Harbour Crane Procurement
ECONOMY & POLICY

Centre Encourages PPP Approach for Harbour Crane Procurement

The Union Ministry of Shipping has proposed a dual strategy to Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) for acquiring a much-needed harbour crane. In a bid to enhance container transfer efficiency, MPA has been advised to explore the public-private partnership (PPP) model. However, if private sector participation proves elusive, the Ministry stands ready to fund the procurement.

The pressing requirement for a new crane emerged due to the breakdown of the port's harbour mobile crane in 2020. The subsequent intermittence in container cargo feeder services prompted cargo redirection to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), Navi Mumbai. The harbour crane is pivotal to bolstering container cargo operations at the port.

To address this issue, MPA is currently in the midst of a PPP tender for the redevelopment of berths 10 and 11. Integral to this plan is the acquisition of a 100-tonne mobile crane. The Ministry's suggestion to incorporate the crane into the ongoing PPP model aligns with broader redevelopment goals.

N Vinod Kumar, Chairman of MPA, stated, "In the event of the tender not attracting participants or receiving bids, the Ministry has offered to allocate necessary funds to the port for acquiring the crane. This acquisition is intended to streamline cargo movement."

Initially, MPA sought financial support from the Ministry under the Sagarmala mission, which was declined. The Ministry's recommendation to opt for a PPP approach aims to drive efficient and sustainable procurement.

Kumar elaborated on the forward strategy, saying, "Our hope is that a private entity will undertake the crane procurement and operate it under a revenue-sharing arrangement for ten years."

Given the specialised nature of harbour cranes and the limited supplier pool, a timeline of six to eight months is anticipated for the acquisition process. Even if the PPP route is pursued, operational readiness is expected to take a similar duration.

As the port navigates this crucial decision, the collaboration between the government and private sector is poised to shape the future of container transfer operations at Mormugao Port.

The Union Ministry of Shipping has proposed a dual strategy to Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) for acquiring a much-needed harbour crane. In a bid to enhance container transfer efficiency, MPA has been advised to explore the public-private partnership (PPP) model. However, if private sector participation proves elusive, the Ministry stands ready to fund the procurement.The pressing requirement for a new crane emerged due to the breakdown of the port's harbour mobile crane in 2020. The subsequent intermittence in container cargo feeder services prompted cargo redirection to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), Navi Mumbai. The harbour crane is pivotal to bolstering container cargo operations at the port.To address this issue, MPA is currently in the midst of a PPP tender for the redevelopment of berths 10 and 11. Integral to this plan is the acquisition of a 100-tonne mobile crane. The Ministry's suggestion to incorporate the crane into the ongoing PPP model aligns with broader redevelopment goals.N Vinod Kumar, Chairman of MPA, stated, In the event of the tender not attracting participants or receiving bids, the Ministry has offered to allocate necessary funds to the port for acquiring the crane. This acquisition is intended to streamline cargo movement.Initially, MPA sought financial support from the Ministry under the Sagarmala mission, which was declined. The Ministry's recommendation to opt for a PPP approach aims to drive efficient and sustainable procurement.Kumar elaborated on the forward strategy, saying, Our hope is that a private entity will undertake the crane procurement and operate it under a revenue-sharing arrangement for ten years.Given the specialised nature of harbour cranes and the limited supplier pool, a timeline of six to eight months is anticipated for the acquisition process. Even if the PPP route is pursued, operational readiness is expected to take a similar duration.As the port navigates this crucial decision, the collaboration between the government and private sector is poised to shape the future of container transfer operations at Mormugao Port.

Next Story
Building Material

UltraTech’s Limestone Mine Gets India’s First-Ever 7-Star Rating

UltraTech Cement, India’s largest producer of cement and Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC), has received top honours for sustainable mining practices. Thirteen of the company’s limestone mines were awarded star ratings by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), Ministry of Mines, for FY 2023–24 during a ceremony held in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Among these, the Naokari Limestone Mine—part of UltraTech’s Awarpur Cement Works in Chandrapur, Maharashtra—was awarded India’s first-ever 7-star rating for a limestone mine, in recognition of exceptional performance in ‘Green Mining’. The remain..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Sieger Parking Enters Mumbai Market, Expands West India Presence

Sieger Parking, a Coimbatore-headquartered specialist in automated and multi-level car parking systems, has announced its entry into Western India with the launch of a regional office in Mumbai. This move marks a key milestone in the company’s pan-India growth strategy and its commitment to delivering technology-driven, space-efficient parking solutions across urban India. The Mumbai office will serve as the regional headquarters for Maharashtra and neighbouring states, supporting end-to-end operations with on-ground sales, project management, and service teams. The aim is to fast-track..

Next Story
Resources

IGBC Green Kochi Conclave 2025 Champions Culture and Climate Action

The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), part of CII, hosted the Green Kochi Conclave 2025 on 4 July at Hotel Holiday Inn, Kochi, under the theme “Tharavadu to Tomorrow: Weaving Kerala’s Heritage into a Sustainable Built Environment.” The event brought together policymakers, architects, developers, and thought leaders to discuss Kerala’s progress in blending cultural heritage with sustainable design.  Kerala is emerging as a frontrunner in climate-resilient development, thanks to passive design strategies, rainwater harvesting, cool roof initiatives, and the widespread adopt..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?