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Visakhapatnam, August 25 The iron ore handling complex (OHC), being operated by Essar group in Visakhapatnam port, has made rapid strides in the past one year and is set to achieve handling capacity of 8,000 TPH, one of the highest in the port sector in the country, according to a press release.
The OHC was handed over to the Essar group last year by the Visakhapatnam port for upgrading and operation for a period of 30 years. The Essar Ports Limited (EPL) has set up a wholly-owned subsidiary, Essar Vizag Terminals Limited (EVTL), for managing the OHC.
Through the addition of the facility, the EPL has seen its third party cargo share jump to more than 8 per cent. During quarter one, the EVTL has handled 2.19 million tonnes of cargo, handling 29 vessels, as against 0.31 million tonnes (six vessels) during the corresponding period last year.
The OHC is currently operating at 3,000 TPH and it is set to reach 4,000 TPH by next year. It is an all-weather deep draft facility that has the wherewithal to serve the rapidly growing markets of South-East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. It can accommodate super capsize vessels and has dedicated rail-connectivity with Bacheli and Kirandal Mining sources by which the facility has an advantage to serve western-sector of India. It is also integrated with its Essar Steel (pellet plant) in Vizag through a fully mechanized conveying facility with 6.7 km shipping conveyor system.
As the bi-lateral agreement between MMTC and Japanese and South Korean steel mills for supply of high grade Indian iron ore during the three year period from April 2015 to March 2018 is finalized and mandates for shipment of 3.8 MMTPA to 5.5 MMTPA, EVTL is upbeat for catering to these requirements. The agreement stipulates for supplying up to 16.5 MMT of high grade iron ore to steel plants in Japan and South Korea over three years till March 2018. With the production of Essar steel also expected to increase significantly during FY 17, the total cargo handling at Vizag is expected to double during the current financial year.
sarma.rs@thehindu.co.in
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