The Hindu Business Line : TMIL plans to acquire 2 mobile harbour cranes

With TMIL's acquisition, the number of mobile harbour cranes at Haldia will rise to two. TMIL had installed a mobile harbour crane acquired at Rs 15 crore at Haldia's berth 12. The berth was earlier taken on long-term lease from the dock authorities.

The Haldia crane is the only such equipment operating in any Indian port, according to TMIL sources.

TMIL is yet to make up its mind whether to go for the same Liebherr brand of Germany while firming up future acquisitions.

"There are a few other brands available and we have an open mind", said a spokesman for the company.

The reason why TMIL wants a second mobile harbour crane at Haldia is simple: As per the agreement with the Haldia dock authorities, the existing crane can be used only in berth 12 where bulk cargo is not handled. However, TMIL handles large quantities of bulk items like imported coking coal, iron ore and limestone for Tata Steel and others, but only at berth eight of the dock.

A mobile crane at berth eight, it is felt, will boost the berth's throughput. However, the existing crane cannot always be moved from one berth to another. Operationally too, it is not feasible.

In 2003-04, TMIL handled two million tonnes (mt) of traffic at Haldia compared to 2.18 mt the previous year. The four per cent drop in throughput is mainly due to the decline in limestone import. However, there was a 60 per cent jump in log traffic at 10,500 tonnes (6,500 tonnes) at Haldia.

Paradip Port Trust too is keen that TMIL installs a mobile harbour crane at one of its berths.

A senior official of Paradip Port Trust recently visited Haldia to understand how the mobile harbour crane functions, and was satisfied.

The port trust has promised to help TMIL in this regard. TMIL is examining if their berth will be strong enough to support the load of the crane.