Paradip Port can now handle fully laden Capesize vessels in its inner harbour following a major capital dredging project.
The port has also signed three mechanisation agreements worth INR 1,580.36 crore as it targets 100% berth mechanisation by 2030.
Highlights
- Paradip Port’s deep-draft capability has been expanded to 18.5 metres.
- Seven infrastructure projects worth INR 427.80 crore were inaugurated on August 21.
- The INR 352 crore capital dredging project will enable fully laden Capesize vessels to enter the inner harbour.
- Three berth mechanisation projects involving INR 1,580.36 crore have been signed.
- Paradip Port aims to increase berth mechanisation from 80% to 100% by 2030.
- The port handled 150.41 MMT cargo in FY2024-25 and has a rated capacity of 289 MTPA.
Paradip Port Authority (PPA) has expanded its deep-draft capability to 18.5 metres and signed concession agreements for three mechanisation projects involving an investment of INR 1,580.36 crore, strengthening its cargo-handling infrastructure.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated seven infrastructure projects worth INR 427.80 crore at Paradip Port in Odisha on August 21. The projects focus on navigation, connectivity, safety, residential facilities and sustainability.
A key development is the INR 352 crore capital dredging project, which enables the port to handle fully laden Capesize vessels in its inner harbour. The deeper draft will allow larger ships to call at Paradip and is expected to improve economies of scale while reducing vessel turnaround time and logistics costs.
Paradip Port handled 150.41 million tonnes of cargo in FY2024-25 and currently has a rated capacity of 289 MTPA.
PPA has also signed three concession agreements as part of its plan to achieve 100% berth mechanisation by 2030, compared with around 80% currently.
The projects include a 5 MTPA South Quay mechanisation project worth INR 498.69 crore, awarded to Yogayatan Paradip SQB Terminal Pvt. Ltd. An 8 MTPA Multipurpose Berth project worth INR 630.67 crore has been awarded to Kalinga Bulk Terminal Paradip Pvt. Ltd. Both projects will be developed on a Build-Operate-Transfer basis.
The third is a 10 MTPA captive CQ-III mechanisation project worth an estimated INR 451 crore, awarded to AMNS Paradip Logistics Pvt. Ltd.
Other infrastructure inaugurated includes an INR 15.50 crore Advanced Vessel Traffic Management and Information System developed with IIT Madras’ National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts. It integrates radar, Artificial Intelligence, AIS, CCTV, oil-spill monitoring and 3D visualisation.
A second bridge across Atharbanki Creek, built at a cost of INR 24.89 crore, will improve connectivity on a route used by nearly 3,000 trucks daily.
Sonowal also planted Paradip Port’s one-millionth tree, marking a major milestone in the port’s plantation programme.
