The New Nation - Internet Edition

Chittagong Correspondent

The 'Pacific International Line (PIL-Bangladesh) Limited and its partner Container and Terminal Services (CTS) Limited are jointly leading the crucial race of taking over Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT) as the operator.

The Everest Enterprise Limited and the incumbent operator of the CCT the SAIF Powertec have been on the second and third positions respectively in terms of price quoted for the job.

The three bidders will be in the race until the disbursement of the work order by Chittagong Port Authority (CPA). The CPA reportedly sought two months time for deeper scrutiny of the contractors and finalizing the deal.

Earlier, the CPA invited tenders to appoint contractor for integrated operation of the CCT.

More than 45 companies of native origin initially participated the bidding but two thirds of the bidders went out the race on the compliance issues of the eligibility, terms and condition.

Finally eleven enterprises including four berth operators contested in the bidding and the PIL became the best bidder in terms of price quoting Taka 439.2 million while the Everest Enterprise got second position quoting Taka 443.6 million.

The SAIF Powertec, incumbent operator, acquired the third position offering Taka 477.0 million for its three-year contract on second term.

According to the luminaries in the shipping circle here in the port city the PIL has no experience of handling containers though it has become the best bidder so far vis-à-vis the Everest Enterprise Limited has adequate experience of doing similar job though it's service would be costlier.

"Everest Enterprise Limited is rather in the good book in terms of its other prerequisites," a member of the tender evaluation committee observed hinting that two more months may be required for deeper scrutiny of the bidders qualification before awarding the work order.

The winning bidder will replace the SAIF Powertec, the incumbent operator of the container terminal, for three years. The SAIF Powertec has been running the terminal nearly for two years. Contract with this company expires on August 6 this year.