Hutchison Whampoa has confirmed it is interested in investing in South Australia's ports.
'As far as we are concerned, we are interested in port privatisation in Australia,' a spokesman said.
However, he said the South Australian Government had not yet published bidding documents.
South Australian Premier John Olsen said after a recent visit to Hong Kong that Hutchison was a potential bidder for South Australia's 10 port projects to be put on the market, including Adelaide. Formal bids, due to be sought shortly, are expected to attract a great deal of international interest.
Hutchison, which has announced its intention to lift its Australian investments, recently bought a 200-year lease on South Australia's state-owned electricity business, paying a premium to the original successful bidder.
Transport group Toll, P&O Ports and infrastructure investor Infratil have previously flagged their interest in the ports.