 "Krishnapatnam port expects to handle 40 million tonne cargo this year")
KPCL said coal imports from the port were surging every year and was expected to hit 100 mt in the next 10 year. At present, coal accounts for 80 per cent of the cargo being handled by the port.
Stating that several power companies were currently building coal-fired electricity generating units in and around Krishnapatnam with a combined capacity of up to 15,000 Mw, KPCL said these power plants cumulatively were expected to import at 70 mt a year through the port.
Keeping this in view, KPCL had installed the mechanised coal handling facility to facilitate quick unloading of coal. The facility has two ship unloaders each with a capacity of 1,500 tonnes per hour. This automation would enhance berth productivity to 12 mt per annum and was slated to phase out the existing multi-handling and manual operation systems.
The Hyderabad-based diversified CVR group, which established the Krishnapatnam port, had so far invested over Rs 6,000 crore in the facility. Its master plan incorporates 42 berths with a total quay length of 12.5 km and a draft of 22 metres, capable of handling 300,000 DWT (deadweight tonnage) super capsize vessels, a release stated.
"The maritime world is transforming to accommodate big size carriers which would reduce the overall logistics costs giving a big boost to transshipment of cargo. Krishnapatnam port is investing in world class equipment and facilities. We look forward to commissioning a few more ship unloaders making the cargo handling at our port completely mechanized", KPCL director and chief executive officer, Anil Yendluri, stated in a press release.
In future, Yendluri said, the port would also have shipbuilding and repair facilities.