The ABG Group has no plans to withdraw from the Netaji Subhas Dock (NSD) of the Kolkata Dock System, one of the two dock systems of the Kolkata Port Trust, the other being Haldia dock.
“Our Haldia chapter is closed but we’re very active at NSD under the Kolkata Dock System”, a spokesman for ABG Group told Business Line .
“Our experience at NSD is extremely satisfactory and we account for nearly 75 per cent of the throughput”.
ABG-Kolkata Container Terminal Pvt Ltd, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) floated by the ABG Group (51 per cent) and Singapore’s PSA (49 per cent), has been operating at two container berths, 4 and 8, of NSD since 2005.
“We never had any problem at NSD and we’ll continue to operate there after November 2014 when our present contract will expire”, the spokesman added.
The SPV deploys three mobile harbour cranes at NSD and handles 30 moves per hour and earns Rs 1,000 per move.
“Kolkata Port Trust charges Rs 6,000 per move from the trade and thus earns Rs 5,000 per move”, the spokesman said.
Meanwhile, the ABG Group has apprised the Shipping Ministry of the development leading to its exit from Haldia dock.
“The ministry officials appreciated our predicament”, the spokesman added.