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The Sri Lanka Ports
Authority has called
for bids to build a
new port in Galle,
which is to be built
close to the
existing harbour to
expand the current
capacity, an
official said.
The sole aim of the
project is to expand
the Port’s capacity
to meet future
demands with a new
breakwater, harbour
basin and with a
deeper draft and
multi-purpose
terminal to handle
bigger vessels in
the Port.
The project is
funded by the
Official Development
Assistance loan from
a Japanese Bank for
International
Cooperation (JBIC).
The loan is amounted
to Yens 14.5 b.
Bids, which are open
to only Japanese
firms, will be
opened on July 3, a
senior Sri Lanka
Ports Authority
official said.
In the project’s
second phase, a
large leisure
component will also
be introduced with a
marina for pleasure
craft and a
passenger terminal.
Galle is already a
port of call for
yachts. Sri Lanka
Ports Authority is
also expected to
call for fresh bids
to develop as a
container terminal
in Colombo by July.
The project involves
building the
breakwater and
multipurpose
terminal, dredging
the approach channel
and turning basin
for ships, and
installing
navigation aids and
other equipment. The
JBIC loan is
repayable in 30
years, inclusive of
a grace period of 10
years with an
interest rate of 0.3
percent a year.
The expansion of
Galle harbour is
expected to reduce
waiting time and
improve its berth
occupancy ratio.
SLPA officials said
the aim is to
develop Galle to
handle conventional
cargo, which are now
handled in Colombo
Port, as well as
cargo for the local
industries in the
southern region. The
main commodity
handled by the
existing Galle
harbour is cement.
(DN26062008) |
