MPSEZ wins bid for coal import terminal at Vizag

To build terminal for Rs 300 crore

One of the largest private multi-port operator and subsidiary of Ahmedabad-based Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), the Mundra Port and Special Economic Zone (MPSEZ) has won a bid to develop a coal import terminal at Vishakhapatnam. Marking MPSEZ's entry on the eastern coast of India, the terminal will be built at cost of over Rs 300 crore.

The selection of MPSEZ by Visakhapatnam Port Trust to develop coal import terminal was through a competitive bidding process to design, build, finance, operate and transfer Berth East Quay – 1. The Visakhapatnam port is strategic port for coal imports to feed the local industries and power plants located in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and eastern Maharashtra.

The Berth East Quay-1 will be designed to handle imported coal volume of approximately 6.5 million metric tonne per annum. . The company plans to build and commission the terminal within 24 months.

Talking about the project, Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, "Mundra Port remains committed towards setting up of world class port infrastructure and facilities in India. The contract to set up the berth on the Visakhapatnam port marks our entry on the east coast. This is in line with our objective of having pan India presence."

The Mundra Port is among the 10 largest Indian ports in cargo handling volumes, with capacity to handle all types of cargo vessels, at a single location, including VLCCs and RORO car carriers. Mundra port has handled around 40 MMT of cargo in the year 2009-10 and aims to handle 50 MMT of cargo during the current year.

MPSEZ today operates ports at Mundra and Dahej; it is developing port at Hazira and coal terminals at Mundra, Goa and Vishakhapatnam.

The company's international forays include port development in Australia and Indonesia, with a goal to handle 200 MMTPA cargo by 2020.