The state-of-the-ar Krishnapatnam Port Container Terminal (KPCT) was formally dedicated to the nation today.
The first phase of the terminal will have a capacity to handle 1.2 million tonnes of cargo per annum which would increase to six million tonnes when the port becomes fully operational over the next few years, KPCT CEO of Krishnapatnam Port Anil Yendluri told reporters here.
It is the largest and deepest draft facility on the Bay of Bengal coast and second major private port in Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh.
"KPCT is equipped with five super post Panamax quay cranes that can deliver highest productivity levels in India. The terminal is also well connected by rail and four-lane roads to the national grid, making for swift access and evacuation of containers and cargo," Yendluri said.
"Our port will help accelerate growth of the region as an industrial hub and also aims to bring a paradigm shift in the Indian shipping and container terminal operations. Exporters and importers from Hyderabad and Bengaluru have already commenced moving cargo through Krishnapatnam taking advantage of lower transportation and handling costs and congestion-free operations," he pointed out.
Maersk Line and Mediterranean Shipping�Company have also started calling their vessels here while container feeder companies like Bengal Tiger Line, FAR Shipping and Xpress Feeders were offering services from KPCT, he said.
The CEO informed that about USD one billion was invested so far on the development of Krishnapatnam Port while the second phase of development was currently on.
"Work is in progress on the development of a dedicated terminal for export of cars and in future we will also have ship building and repair facilities along with bunkering facilities," he said adding that plans were afoot to build an LNG terminal and a POL jetty at the port.
