The Danish port-builder AP Muller and Sambawan of Singapore have shown interest in the all-weather, deep-water direct berthing port at Gopalpur, Orissa, being jointly promoted by the Orissa government, the Minerals and Metal Trading Corporation, Tata Iron and Steel Company and the Steel Authority of India.

Analysts said the Gopalpur Port Company had intended to induct an equity partner with expertise in port building from the outset. The port firm was expected to float a global tender soon, calling for formal offers for a foreign collaborator, they said.