Three shortlisted to operate Gwadar

Karachi: The Gwadar Port Implementation Authority has shortlisted three overseas candidates to operate the deepwater port: PSA International, DP World and the port's construction company China Harbouring Engineering Co, according to local press reports. Other companies reported to have been interested in the concession include Hutchison Port Holdings and Pakistan International Container Terminal. Built using hefty Chinese funding, the new Pakistani port is intended to offer channel draught of 14.5 metres, thereby allowing mother ships to call, and seeks to become a transit hub for cargoes to/from Afghanistan and central Asia.  [11/09/06]