January 23 - The decision regarding the privatisation of the Virginia, USA, Hampton Roads port is expected to be made during the spring, according to the Virginia Port Authority.

The Virginia Port Authority was allowed to take a detailed look at privatisation proposals yesterday (Tuesday). Two of the offers are from private companies; APM Terminals Inc, and a group led by US bank JPMorgan Chase and Co.

A third proposal is a restructuring of the current agreement with Virginia International Terminals Inc - the port's non-profit operations arm.

William H Fralin, chair of the Port Authority board, commented, "we're proceeding on these two tracks, with the idea to make a decision in March."

www.portofvirginia.com