The UAE's DP World (DPW), which is currently vying for rights to operate the recently established Gwadar Deep Sea Port in Pakistan, will apparently face stiff competition from Hong Kong-based Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH), which already operates the two-berth Karachi international container terminal.
Operation of the Gwadar Deep Sea Port, which is likely to be inaugurated during this month, is also being sought by Singapore's PSA International, according to Khaleej Times.
The three companies have so far submitted Expression of Interest (EoI) to operate Gwadar Port. Some sources have hinted, however, that DPW is thought by some to be the preferred bidder for the port. HPH had earlier withdrawn from the competition. However, it is now being considered a serious contender, the sources said.
"The re-appearance of HPH in the competition is a significant move and it indicates a close competition among world's leading port operators for Gwadar Port operations," the sources stated.
The sources added that the decision as to who will run port operations will be taken before the port's inauguration.
Gwadar Port, located at Balochistan province in Pakistan, is considered an important future trading hub in the region because of its key location in Gulf.
Though it will face competition from Port Salalah of Oman and Port Chah Bahar of Iran, it is likely that after completion of phase two by 2010 it will be one of the busiest ports in the region.
© 2006 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
