Vizag Port initiates mechanised coal handling project

The Rs 320-cr project would help unload more cargo

The Visakhapatnam Port has decided to approach the Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee to take up the Rs 320-crore mechanised coal handling project at the general-cum-bulk cargo berth (GCB) under BOT (built operate and transfer) basis.

The GCB, at the outer harbour, was designed to handle vessels up to one lakh DWT (dead weight tonnage). It was commissioned in 1985. The total number of vessels handled at GCB during 2005-06 was 293, of which 203 were coking coal vessels.

The port handled 37.2 lakh tonnes of coking coal during the last fiscal through this berth. The coking coal traffic is primarily being unloaded with the help of ship's cranes and recently two floating cranes have been installed here, which are being operated and maintained by private operators.

The Vizag port expects imports of about 140 lakh tonnes of coking and steam coal by Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, Bhilai Steel Plant (SAIL) and some other private parties by 2010.

Speaking to Business Standard, KSD Dattu Raja, traffic manager of Vizag port, said keeping this target in mind, the port had decided to install mechanical coal handling facilities to unload more cargo in a shorter period at GCB.

Recently, the India Ports Association (IPA) submitted its techno economic feasibility study for installation of mechanised coal handling facilities at GCB and it was estimated that the project cost would be around Rs 320 crore.

Since the techno economic feasibility report was prepared by IPA, the port has entrusted preparing of expression of interest/ request for proposal, bid documents, and licence agreement to the IPA. Besides, the IPA would also assist the Vizag port in the tender process till the signing of licence agreement.

Currently, the port unloads about 20,000 tonnes of coking coal per day. Dattu Raja said once mechanical handling facilities were put in place, this would increase to 35,000-40,000 tonnes per day.

Apart from quick coal unloading, another need to have the mechanical handling facilities is to reduce pollution drastically.

"The GCB is in close proximity of the city, which is densely populated. As the unloading of coal is causing air pollution, the citizens are frequently objecting to unloading here," he said, adding once the mechanical handling facilities are ready, air pollution would be reduced to negligible levels.