The Republic Day was celebrated by the Paradip Port Authority (PPA) with its chairman PL Haranadh, Chairman unfurling the National Flag and stating that the port achieved yet another 100 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of cargo handling for a sixth year in a row till January 9in the current fiscal. Last year, the 100-MMT mark had been achieved on February 18.
Haranadh said the port is poised to set an all-time record cargo handling of more than 130 MMT this fiscal. The port is emerging as a coastal shipping hub of the country and has plans even to coastally ship thermal coal to power houses located in Rajasthan, UP and Haryana.
The port has added 55 MMTPA of capacity including 30 MMTPA of berth mechanisation in last five years. Presently, its capacity stands at 279 MMTPA, the highest among Major Ports.
The port has recently signed a Concession Agreement with Jindal Paradip Port Limited for development of a 25-MMTPA Western Dock Project, construction for which will commence shortly. This would take the port’s capacity beyond 300 MTPA upon its completion and bring economy of scale to the profitability of the customers.
Over 80 MTPA capacity addition projects are in pipeline to be awarded by FY 2030. Looking beyond it, the port envisions to take its capacity to over 500 MTPA by the AmritKaal 2047.
