PANAJI: In all 12 companies, including two foreign, have submitted their tenders for cutting and removing of the ill-fated vessel, M V River Princess.

Among the Indian companies who applied
for removal of the vessel, lying grounded for
nearly 10 years, are Jaisu, Salgaocar Mining Company
and Madgaonkar Salvage. The two foreign companies
that have applied are Titan Salvage and Smith International.

Incidentally, Mr Anil Madgaonkar, one of the directors of Madgaonkar Salvage, who was on the tender committee set by the state government to select the successful bidder to remove the vessel, resigned so as to be able to participate in the bid.

The director of tourism, Mr Swapnil Naik
said that Smith International has sent its bid by
post and by e-mail. While the e-mail has been received the hard copy sent by post was yet to reach the tourism department on Monday (March 29) the last day for submission of the tenders. He said that the tender committee would decide on the admissibility of the tender of the company when it meets to decide on the issue.

Mr Naik further stated that the tender committee would decide on the technical feasibility of the tenders, their financial viability and the methodology to be adopted by the companies in removing the vessel. The meeting of the tender committee is likely to be held on Wednesday (March 31) or on Monday (April 5).

As per the DoT sources the tender will be most probably awarded before the onset of the monsoon.