Gopalpur port ready to restart operation

Gopalpur port in south Odisha, which was closed for last two years after being battered by two successive cyclones, is now ready to restart commercial operation.

Port authorities have communicated this message to the concerned government authorities.

"We have communicated to the government that the port is now fit for commercial operation. We have also intimated the prospective users of the port about reopening of the port shortly," said MM Moharana, director (operations), Gopalpur Port (GPL).

"First vessel is likely to anchor in the revamped port in next fortnight after the government gives its green signal following the inspection of the facilities and security by the authorities," he added.

The port's operations came to standstill after cyclone Phailin hit the state's southern coast on October 12, 2013. Exactly a year later, the port was hit again by another storm Hudhud. The last vessel had anchored at the port on October 7, 2013. The port had incurred damages to the tune of Rs 250 crore due to Phailin.

The depth and length of the port's berth has been increased to 12.5 metres and 225 metres from 10 metres and 150 metres, respectively. The length of the break-water was increased to 1730 metres. There was no problem in receiving big vessels in the revamped port, he said.

The port can accommodate 50,000 tonne capacity vessels. Earlier, it was able to harbour 15,000 tonne vessels. GPL proposed to enhance the port's cargo handling capacity from 3.5 million tonne per annum (mtpa) to five mtpa and to receive large vessels with 1.25 dwt (dead weight tonnage) capacity in next two years.

Located in between Paradip and Vishakhapatnam port, Gopalpur is the third port on the Odisha coast after Paradip and Dhamara.

GPL has already spent Rs 850 crore, included Rs 220-crore on the cyclone damage repairs to develop the port into an all-weather facility.

GPL, initially promoted by Orissa Stevedores Limited (OSL), New Delhi-based SIL (Sara International Limited) and Hong Kong based Noble Group, was awarded the port development work on BOOST basis in 2008. The total investment envisaged at time was Rs 1200-crore. Noble Group, however, pulled out of the consortium later.