Vizag port to upgrade Ore Handling Complex

To appoint consultant for the Rs 200-crore project

Visakhapatnam Port has decided to appoint a consultant to implement the about Rs 200-crore Ore Handling Complex (OHC) modernisation project. The OHC was set up in 1976 for export of iron ore to Japan by loading the ships through conveyor system.

Originally, the loading capacity of the plant was 12 million tonnes per year but during 2004-05, it handled 14 million tonnes of iron ore, which was about 28 per cent of the total cargo handled by the port in that fiscal.

Y Jayanthi, director (research and planning), Vizag Port, told Business Standard, "The existing system in the OHC has become so old and rickety that there is a possibility of failure. Therefore, we have decided to go in for a totally computerised operation and control system."

The project was expected to cost around Rs 200 crore, and the port was planning to approach financial institutions to mobilise funds, Jayanthi added.

According to the modernisation plan, the port will strengthen the existing iron ore berth and deepen the channel up to 18.1 metres from the existing 16 metres, which can accommodate up to 2 lakh DWT (deadweight tonnage) vessels.

The port has also proposed to increase the iron ore stockyard capacity in OHC, set up new tipplers, stackers, bucket wheel reclaimers and ship loader to increase the loading rate. The port currently loads 50,000-55,000 tonnes of iron ore per day.

Jayanthi said that once the modernisation was complete, the loading rate will be increased to 75,000-80,000 per day while the iron ore loading capacity would be increased to 18 million tonnes per year.

The consultant would prepare a detailed project report and tender documents, evaluate the tenders, inspect the equipment and supervise the installation and commissioning of the plant.