Paradeep Port considering outer harbour for large vessels

Techno-feasibility study expected to be completed by end of this month

With an aim to ramp up its cargo handling capacity to 175.5 million tonne by 2018, Paradeep Port Trust (PPT) is mulling to develop an outer harbour to handle large Capesize vessels of up to 225,000 dwt (dead weight tonnage).

Of the various options of developing the outer harbour layout, IIT Madras has recommended the Southern Side layout. Mckinsey-Aecom are carrying out the techno-economic feasibility study, which is expected to be completed by the end of this month.

The port has taken up several projects during this fiscal in pursuit of its capacity augmentation. The draft has been enhanced from 12-12.5 metres to 14-14.5 metres in six berths. Dredging of North Oil Jetty taken up to increase the draft to 16 metres, has been substantially completed.

The construction of 10 million tonne per annum South Oil Jetty at a cost of Rs 222 crore has been inaugurated in July 2015 and is waiting for dedication to the nation.

A concession agreement has been inked with Paradeep International Cargo Terminal Pvt Ltd (PICTPL) for development of five mtpa multipurpose clean cargo berth on the PPP (public private partnership) mode at an estimated cost of Rs 430.78 crore with 11.04% revenue share to the port.

Another concession agreement has been signed with JSW Paradip Terminal Pvt Ltd for development of 10 mtpa deep draught iron ore berth on BOT (build, operate and transfer) basis (PPP mode) at an estimated cost of Rs 740.19 crore at 21% revenue share to the port.

PPT has taken up a slew of initiatives in line with recommendation of Boston Consulting Group - the international consulting firm engaged by the Ministry of Shipping.

The port has implemented productivity norms for the vessels handled in the mechanized coal handling plant and other general cargo berths with effect from August 2015 and rolled out penal charges for inefficiencies in the mechanized coal berths from November 2015.

As an attempt to improve 'Ease of Doing Business' in the port. PPT has addressed several issues related to the cargo handling operation in the port for providing the importers and exporters the freedom to select their stevedores /service providers.