Kakinada Sea mulls 4th berth at Deep Water Port

Kakinada Sea Ports Limited has chalked out a Rs 210-crore expansion plan for constructing a fourth berth and an offshore vessels complex (OSV) at the Deep Water Port. The company has already submitted a proposal to the Andhra Pradesh government in this regard.

Deep Water Port, comprising three berths, was constructed by the state government. It was handed over to KSPL on April 1998.

According to the agreement entered into between the government and the company, KSPL can construct additional berths as it reaches the occupancy rate. KSPL achieved a stupendous 80 per cent occupancy rate this fiscal, with 402 vessels berthing at the Deep Water Port up to March 12, 2006.

With the increasing occupancy rate, KSPL is contemplating constructing a fourth berth and also an OSV complex. An environmental study is also being conducted for the purpose.

"After obtaining the required environmental clearances, we will start the construction work and complete it in 18 months," KSPL general manager (operations) M Muralidhar told Business Standard.

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Reliance Industries Limited, Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation, Cairn Energy and Trans Ocean companies are currently utilising the Deep Water Port for operating their oil explorations in mid-sea. The companies are anchoring materials like rigs and vessels at the port.