Visakhapatnam Port is turning into cynosure of all eyes with several diplomats and business delegations from all over the world evincing interest to know its expansion plan and its role in developing Visakhapatnam into a smart city.
The port which launched its commercial operations in 1933 is instrumental in transforming a fisherman village into a growing metropolis. Under attack for open handling of iron ore and coal, Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT) authorities have decided to reduce truck movement, strengthen mechanised evacuation system, set up centralised stack-yard and improve road and rail connectivity.
After the visit of a business delegation from China, Guizhou Federation of Industry & Commerce Zhang Zhao, Deputy Defence & Naval Attache of France Commander Loic Bizot, Director of Rus Cavis Pvt. Ltd. Yoori Chukov from Russia and several big shots have called on VPT Chairman M.T. Krishna Babu to know about plans to convert the port into a world-class port.
The port has prepared an action plan to delete dirty port tag for good and handle only clean cargo in a mechanised environment in next five years. Dredging in Outer Harbour has been completed to receive Cape size vessels with 200,000 DWT. Inner Harbour dredging to raise draft from 12.5 to 14.4 metres to receive Panamax vessels with 80,000 to 100,000 DWT without lightening will be completed by June-end.
“Increase in draft and massive expansion and modernisation plan will attract a lot of export and import cargo to Visakhapatnam Port,” Simatech Shipping Director Hilton Mike told The Hindu .
The port has already called for expression of interest to develop two berths to handle Panamax vessels by demolishing 80-year old berths. Essar Ports has launched work to upgrade and mechanise iron ore by developing three green terminals at a cost of Rs.1200 crore. JM Baxi & Group is getting ready to launch work soon on container terminal extension at a cost of Rs.800 crore.
The port which at present has a capacity to handle a throughput of 90 million tonne is expected to achieve 125 million tonne during 2016-17.
