"Visakhapatnam Port Achieves Milestone, Surpasses 50-Million-Ton Cargo Handling Record"

Visakhapatnam Port is celebrating a significant achievement as it surpasses its own cargo handling records, hitting a remarkable milestone by handling over 50 million tonnes (MT) of cargo in just 228 days during the current financial year. This accomplishment, achieved on November 15, marks a notable improvement from the previous record of handling the same volume in 251 days last year.

The achievement is being hailed as a major boost for the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) and its ongoing efforts to enhance and develop the port infrastructure.

Madhaiyan Angamuthu, Chairperson of VPA, expressed pride in the port's latest achievement, stating, "We have recorded 50 MT cargo throughput in the shortest time... There is good growth, and we want to diversify our cargo and implement mechanized measures to improve it further."

This new record of handling 50 MT is the fastest in the port's 90-year history, a testament to the concerted efforts and strategic measures implemented by the port authority.

Angamuthu attributes the record-breaking performance to several key factors. He noted that container volumes increased due to new shipping lines calling at the port. Furthermore, the expansion of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited's (HPCL) refinery contributed to a rise in crude oil imports. Other contributing factors include the handling of imported bauxite from capesize vessels, relaxation of navigational restrictions for handling baby capesize vessels at the VPA inner harbor, an uptick in coking coal and manganese ore imports, and growth in coastal iron ore shipments.

The achievement underscores Visakhapatnam Port's resilience and adaptability, as it successfully navigates diverse challenges and continues to play a pivotal role in the region's trade and economic activities.

HBL