Coal news and updates

Vizag Port to hike draft for Panamax vessels

December 31: Vizag Port plans to increase the draft of the inner harbour to 12.5 metres from the current 11 metres to berth Panamax vessels with less than 16 metres of depth by January 15, 2015, an official from the port told ICMW. 

The port has been suspending operations in the inner harbour every alternate day to continue dredging, the official added.

“We are suspending operations from 8 o’ clock for 24 hours every alternate day in the inner harbour because we aim to have 12.5 metres of draught before January 15. Our present draft is 11 metres,” he said.

He, however, pointed out that the problem in the evacuation process is still continuing though it has improved from what it had been a few months ago. “At present, there are 7-8 coal vessels waiting for berthing at the Vizag General Cargo Berth (VGCB), which is fully occupied at present. So until and unless evacuation is done properly, vessels cannot be taken in and that is a problem,” the official said.

“The congestion is created because of the non-availability of rakes. Though the supply of rakes has improved a little at present compared to what had been a few months back, there are shortages still. Earlier, Railways used to send 8-9 rakes but now it is supplying 12-13. But we need more, he observed.

“Unless and until these cargoes go out, we will be unable to take in other vessels,” he added.