Gangavaram Port sets record in bauxite discharging

Visakhapatnam: GANGAVARAM Port, a deepwater and ultra modern port in the city has achieved a milestone by setting a national record by discharging 125,380 tonnes of bauxite within 24 hours using the mechanical unloading system. The vessel mv Berge Apo carrying 1,65,598 tonnes of bauxite was berthed at Gangavaram on account of Vedanta Limited. This achievement stands out as the fastest bauxite discharge rate in the history of any port in India, a company spokesman said on Thursday.

The port, developed by Gangavaram Port Limited-a company floated by DVS Raju-led consortium, is in the process of complete acquisition by the Adani Group. The port, which is located in close vicinity of Visakhapatnam Port, a major port, handled 32.82 million tonnes during 2020-21, has ambitious plans to increase its reach by handling higher volumes of cargo. Visakhapatnam Port had attracted a throughput of 69.84 million tonnes during last fiscal. In a release, GPL said Vedanta Limited expressed its gratitude and appreciated the port management and the staff who helped in achieving this milestone in bauxite discharge.

The Gangavaram Port recorded another milestone in iron ore loading target by changing its loading pattern. The team achieved the highest loading in a difficult grade of iron ore fines. The vessel mv Night Sky which was berthed at GPL used mechanical and ship loaders (MHC) simultaneously. The vessel was berthed at 09:40 hrs on July 27 and commenced her loading at 14:05 hrs on July 27, by engaging manual MHC mode as well as mechanical through ship loader mode to help achieve the goal. The management said "we are extremely happy to see the trade derive benefits of modern deepwater infrastructure at Gangavaram Port." The company said Gangavaram Port in the past has accomplished numerous such operational milestones and has redefined the economics of Cape Size vessel handling at Indian ports.