Shipping Ministry Proposes New Port Construction in Andhra Pradesh to Complement Planned Refinery.

The Shipping Ministry has proposed constructing a new seaport in Andhra Pradesh alongside Bharat Petroleum Corp's (BPCL) planned refinery. This strategic move aims to streamline development and reduce costs by integrating the port's construction with the refinery.

A senior official from the Shipping Ministry recently informed federal and Andhra Pradesh officials about this plan, emphasizing its economic benefits. Integrating the port with the refinery is expected to lower construction costs and provide a steady stream of business for the port, with the refinery serving as a key anchor customer.

Indian refineries, which primarily import crude oil, benefit significantly from proximity to ports to facilitate cost-effective sourcing of inputs. Andhra Pradesh has offered land options at Machilipatnam, Ramayapatnam, or Mulapeta for the proposed refinery and associated petrochemicals complex.

ET