Port Qasim Authority (PQA) says it is seeking clarifications from four bidders for the development of a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) terminal on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis. Bidders for the work are Mobil Oil Pakistan, Engro Paktank - a joint venture between Engro Chemicals Pakistan and the Netherlands' Royal Pakhoed - Malaysia's Keloil with the local Mansoor Faboor, and Termco - a consortium incorporating the UK's Shell International Petroleum, the Netherlands' SHV, and Lifeline and the Fauji Foundation, both local.

The terminal will have a capacity of about 3 million tonnes a year of LPG. The project will include a jetty, LPG handling facilities, fire-fighting equipment, an approach trestle, road/walk ways and safety equipment.

The successful bidder will design, finance, build, operate, manage and maintain the terminal. The developer will pay usual port fees to the PQA in addition to a royalty submitted as part of the bid. A preferred bidder for the work is not expected to emerge for several weeks. The consultant is the local National Engineering Services Pakistan (Nespak - MEED 15:1:96).