The Hindu Business Line : Vizag port maintaining lead in cargo handling

VISAKHAPATNAM Port Trust is maintaining the number one position by handling 19.1 million tonnes of cargo during the first five months of the current financial year.

This is the fifth consecutive year the port has been ahead of others in terms of tonnage.

The increased export of iron ore and iron ore pellets, due to the boom in the steel industry worldwide, has contributed greatly to the performance of the port. Going by the current trend, the port is likely to cross the target of 13.5 million tonnes (mt) set for export of iron ore and pellets.

During 2003-04, the port handled 47.74 mt, an all-time record, and the Ministry of Shipping has set target of 49 mt for the current year. However, there is an area of concern for the port as it is unable to attract much transhipment (crude) cargo. The new deep water port at Kakinada is being favoured by the PSU oil companies. Nearly three million tonnes of crude has been diverted to Kakinada.

``We don't know the exact reasons why the oil companies prefer Kakinada. We are in touch with them. Our rates are competitive and we are willing to provide them with all facilities here too,'' says Mr K. Ratna Kishore, Chairman of Visakhapatnam Port Trust.

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