KoPT to ramp up transloading model for cargo growth

PPP partner Jindal ITF to invest Rs 250 cr in transloaders, tugs and daughter vessels; Port seeks to add 25 mn tonnes of cargo handled by 2020

After stabilising transloading model to improve cargo flow into the riverine port, Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) will ramp up this activity that could result in cargo growth of 17 per cent to 54 million tonnes in the current fiscal.

"We are looking at cargo growth of 54 million tonnes for 2015-16. Investment for transloading is being made by the PPP partner Jindal ITF worth Rs 250 crore to procure more transloaders, tugs and daughter vessels which will strengthen handling capacity of cargo," KoPT chairman R P S Kahlon told PTI.

In 2014-15, KoPT handled 46.29 million tonnes with 12 per cent cargo growth. KoPT aims at 5-6 million tonne of additional cargo initially, which could go up to 25 million tonne by 2020.

KoPT allows transloading at three points -- Kanika Sands, Sandheads and Sagar. The mechanism allows vessels with cargo of about four times than what a ship entering Haldia or Kolkata docks can carry.

Interestingly, risk is also almost nil as there is no berth at high sea and transfer of cargo takes place by transloaders which have equipment to handle such jobs for mid-sea transfer.

KoPT began testing transloading operation at Sandheads in October 2013 with Jindal ITF for sending imported coal to NTPC Power Plant at Farakka.

Vessel Navios Sky, with 76,999 metric tons of imported coal, is currently discharging its cargo at Sandheads.

A total of 17 vessels have been handled by Jindal ITF since October 2013. Total cargo handled is 12,17,246 metric tons.

Out of the 17 vessels, five have been handled at Kanika Sand during monsoon.

KoPT aims to operate transloading at Kanika Sands and Sandheads for six months each to make it feasible around the year.