Paradip Port handles first Capesize vessel with 16.5m draft
Paradip Port Authority (PPA) has handled its first-ever Capesize vessel with a 16.50-metre draft at Western Dock-1, marking a milestone in the port’s deep-draft vessel handling capability.
The vessel, MV Mineral Kwangyang, is 292 metres long and 45 metres wide and arrived with a draft of 16.50 metres. It was carrying 152,702 metric tonnes of coking coal.
The milestone comes as Paradip Port continues to invest in expanding and modernising its cargo-handling infrastructure. In August, The projects are part of the port’s plan to achieve 100% berth mechanisation by 2030, compared with around 80% currently.
The three projects cover the mechanisation of the 5 MTPA South Quay, the 8 MTPA Multipurpose Berth and the 10 MTPA captive CQ-III berth. The projects are aimed at improving cargo-handling capacity and operational efficiency, while reducing vessel turnaround times.
PPA has also achieved an 18.5-metre deep-draft capability, allowing fully laden Capesize vessels to enter its inner harbour. The latest vessel handling also comes shortly after . Purohit, an officer of the 1996 batch of the Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers, will continue to lead V.O. Chidambaranar Port alongside his additional responsibilities at Paradip.
Under his additional charge, the focus at Paradip includes strengthening infrastructure and connectivity, improving operational efficiency, modernising cargo-handling facilities and advancing green and sustainable port initiatives.
Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, PPA, congratulated Team PPA and Team JPPL on the landmark achievement.
