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Vizhinjam port: IFC to conduct feasibility study

KOCHI: The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank, has signed an agreement with the Kerala government for a study to develop infrastructure for a deep-water port at Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram. The corporation will explore options to attract international investment for the project. Lars Thunell, IFC Executive Vice-president and Chief Executive Officer, and Sanjeev Kaushik, Chief Executive Officer of Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd. and Secretary of Ports Department, signed the documents at a function here on Friday. The port has natural advantages such as proximity to international shipping routes. The project is to be executed on a public-private participation model. Addressing the media, Mr. Thunell said it would take 12 to 18 months to complete a detailed analysis of the project. The IFC would function as the transactional adviser initially. It would look at techno-feasibility and conduct a global search for partners for executing the project through a transparent bidding process. The adviser’s role included structuring, marketing and implementing the project and attracting serious investors through an open, transparent and competitive bidding process. The IFC or other agencies could be involved in funding the project later. Mr. Kaushik said the government was committed to developing the Vizhinjam port. A study conducted on the project would be updated by the IFC. There had been substantial delay in the execution of the project, he said, in reply to a question. The IFC’s fee would be $200,000, payable in instalments based on the successful achievement of the task in six ‘milestones,’ he said. It would also get a fee from the private partners to be selected after the successful bidding, he added. Special Correspondent writes from New Delhi: “Improved infrastructure will lead to stronger economic growth in India. We are partnering with Kerala to increase capacity of its port to enable more trade and create jobs,” Mr. Thunell said.

                                                                                                               
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