PPT commissions dry dock

Paradip Port Trust (PPT) has commissioned its dry dock constructed at a cost of Rs 18.5 crore which includes the cost on dredging. With the commissioning of the dry dock, PPT can save additional costs and the time spent on sending the vessels to Kolkata and Visakhapatnam.

In the absence of a dry dock, PPT was dependent on the dry docks of Kolkata and Visakhapatnam for maintenance and repair of vessels. PPT’s dry dock can accommodate vessels up to 60 metres and the dock has been built in continuation to the wet basin, having a length of 75 metres, width of 15metres and a depth of 11 metres.

Inaugurating the dry dock on January 12 this year, K Raghuramaiah, chairman, PPT said, “This facility is an added asset to the port which will not only provide dry docking facility to the port vessels but also cater to the needs of other vessels including Coast Guard and naval vessels.” Wartsila India Limited, a reputed ship repairing company has been given the contract for taking up repairs of vessels.

Apart from commissioning the dry dock, PPT has installed an ultra modern wireless CCTV (close circuit television) surveillance system to closely monitor the activities inside the prohibited area. The system is equipped with 20 fixed and adjustable cameras for continuous monitoring as well as recording facilities.

The activities inside the harbour area and other strategic locations can be monitored from two different control stations independently through this system. The system provides for further expansion depending on the circumstances. Raghuramaiah who inaugurated the system at gate number 4 of the port said, it will be much easier now to detect the entry of unauthorised personnel, vehicles and vessels into the port area.