Reports suggest that ABG Infralogistics is in the race for securing container handling contract for berth number 5 at Netaji Subhash Dock, under the Kolkata Dock System.

   ABG Infralogistics is one of the partners of ABG Haldia Bulk Terminals (HBT), which pulled out from cargo handling in Haldia, citing political reasons and bias by the Kolkata port Trust.

   While HBT officials claim that the firm has nothing to do with ABG Infralogistics operations, KoPT alleges that the participation shows that the pullout was due to economic reasons. HBT is a joint venture between ABG Infralogistics and French firm Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (LDA).

   ABG Infralogistics holds 26 per cent in HBT. The dry bulk cargo handling at Haldia was going down considerably, reaching up to 17 per cent in September. On the other hand, the container handling at Kolkata was increasing by 10 per cent. This is the reason why they are interested at Kolkata not in Haldia, said Manish Jain, chairman, KoPT.

   Meanwhile, HBT retrenched 348 of its remaining employees, officially. The retrenchment has been carried out in full compliance of the relevant laws and each employee’s bank account has been credited with the compensation they are entitled to under the provisions of the relevant law, today 3rd November 2012, Malhi said.