Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) and Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) are in serious discussions over a proposal for the public sector shipyard to take over berth 9 to build a ship repair and ship construction facility. Union minister for shipping, ports and waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and high-ranking officials confirmed the developments.
MPA plans to offer 200-250m of waterfront area at berth 9 to GSL, which a technical team from the shipyard is currently evaluating.
“Goa Shipyard, which comes under the ministry of defence, is willing to take over our berth nine to set up ship-building facilities. They have already proposed. We are now in consultation, and definitely we are very eager,” said Sonowal.
In July, TOI had reported that the government-run port failed to attract interest from private players to redevelop berth no. 9 and three barge jetties through the public-private-partnership route with a projected investment of Rs 842 crore.
The berth was meant to be used for cargo handling, particularly iron ore. Goa’s start-stop track record with mining and the long gap between auctioning of mines and necessary clearances is weighing down on investor sentiment, said industry players.
According to a senior officer at the port, GSL and MPA are expected to ink the MoU for the redevelopment of berth no. 9 during the Global Maritime India Summit in Mumbai. The three-day summit is being held from October 17.
“GSL does not have further scope to expand at their current location. They need deeper depth to build larger warships and that is why they are interested in berth 9. A proposal has been submitted,” said an officer who is part of the discussion.
Sonowal said that Goa has the potential to become a ship-building hub as well as a ship-repairing centre.