|
BNS - The owner of the Muuga CT container terminal in Muuga Port just outside Tallinn has started negotiations with a view to bringing in the Chinese Ningbo port as a strategic partner in return for an equity stake, the business supplement of Eesti Paevaleht reported.
"We're offering an ownership stake to the Chinese, but we wish to continue to be active in the business ourselves too," said Erik Laidvee, manager of the container terminal's owner Transiidikeskuse AS.
"The Chinese will get a stake in Muuga CT only if they are able to bring additional trade -- if they increase the flow of trade going through our terminal severalfold, they may get half of the company too," he said.
Laidvee, who held negotiations with managers of the Ningbo port in China last week, said that there also was hope to involve a major Chinese shipper that would ensure the necessary cargo flow for the terminal. He wouldn't give any names, though.
The state company Port of Tallinn may offer the new container terminal it was planning as a joint project with the Chinese to Muuga CT if the latter get a deal with Ningbo port.
"Our door is open to Muuga CT as things are, but it will open still more if they bring in a strategic partner," Port of Tallinn CEO Ain Kaljurand told the newspaper.
Uniting the new terminal with Muuga CT would provide a significant competitive advantage, as the terminal that now can accommodate only smaller ships would be able to start handling large ocean going vessels.
|
