Coal news and updates

Vizag sees hike in imported coal handling by 2016

January 19: Vizag Port expects to increase coal imports through itself in the coming fiscal (2015-16) as seven of its 18 berths are likely to reach 12.5 metres draft shortly and hence will be able to berth Panamax vessels, an official from the port told ICMW.

“Many coal vessels are expected after 12.5 metres draft is declared at the inner harbour. We are expected to handle one million tons of additional coal in the coming year against what we handled last year (2013-14) as new parties are coming in who were not present earlier, the official said.

Elaborating further, he said, “This week we are going to declare 12.5 metres of draft at three berths and another four will be ready by the end of this month. The final survey is now on and is being conducted by the Dredging Corporation of India.”

He, however, said the rest of the 11 berths in the inner harbour will continue with 11 metre draft levels. “The iron ore berths do not need a draft more than 10.5 metres. And there are some old berths as well which we have to strengthen. Until and unless these are strengthened we cannot declare 12.5 metres,” he added.

He said that berths such as WQ4 and 5 will remain within the 11 metres realm but the new berth, WQ6, coming up with 16 metres draft will initially have 12.5 metres.