With a target to achieve 85 million t capacity by 2015 through mechanisation, Visakhapatnam Port is pressing ahead in its goal to become the most preferred port in South Asia.
An investment of US$2.1 billion is being made for the extension of a container terminal by J. M. Baxi Group.
The project includes modernisation of an ore-handling complex by Essar Ports, deepening of channels and berths, and the installation of state-of-the-art handling facilities.
VisakhapatnamPort Trust chairman M. T. Krishna Babu said: “We are not only increasing volumes, we are also making serious efforts to handle 90% of our cargo in a mechanised environment within a year so as to put pollution at bare minimum.”
Mr. Krishna Babu said berths WQ 7 and 8 would have 16-metre draught. He also said they had engaged an Indian Port Association to conduct a study to modernise EQ 2 to 5 berths. Draught of WQ 1 to 3 berths is being increased from 11 metres to 12 metres.
Mr. Krishna Babu concluded by saying that, starting from November, Adani Vizag Coal Terminal could handle Panamax vessels, due to the increase in draught.
