The government confirmed that Italy’s Fincantieri and Dutchgroup Damen Shipyards had registered an interest.

The third bidder is a consortium of Cyprus-registeredBlotraco Shipping, an investor named as Roman Denkovych and Lithuanian shipbuilderand repairer Litana.

Final offers are due by 15 April.

A stake of 61.57% in the repair yard is up for grabs.

A new owner will have to invest at least EUR 15m ($20.4m)