VPA sets sights on 90 MT cargo handling in 2024

Visakhapatnam: Oozing out confidence on easily surpassing the target of 80 million tonnes set for 2023-24, Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), which is ranked third among the major ports of India, has plans to increase next year’s cargo handling figure to 90 million tonnes.

During an interactive meet with the stakeholders here, VPA Chairperson Dr M Angamuthu said they want to grow as a world-class port along with continuing its role as a game-changer for the city’s growth. “We have no desire to grow as a standalone entity. We want citizen engagement, implement green port initiatives and take an active part in improving quality of living in the city,” he said. As part of CSR, the port contributed Rs 1 crore to the city police commissionerate for establishing a cyber security lab.

Angamuthu said they have plans to develop a marine and maritime museum near the cruise terminal. He said they want to collaborate, plan and execute works in achieving new targets and play a big role in overall development of the city. The Chairperson made a powerpoint presentation elucidating a roadmap with new inventive ideas and initiatives. He said VPA serves as a beacon of innovation, illuminating the path for future developments in port operations, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency, sustainability and connectivity.

Visakhapatnam Port aims to revolutionise traditional maritime practices. The meeting emphasised the importance of collaboration among stakeholders. Recognising that innovation thrives in an ecosystem of shared knowledge and expertise, the stakeholders were told that Visakhapatnam Port is committed to fostering partnerships with industry leaders, academia and government bodies.

Through collaborative research and development initiatives, the port aims to co-create transformative solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of the maritime sector.

The Chairperson stated that sustainability emerged as a key pillar of Visakhapatnam Port’s future endeavours. With a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and mitigating environmental impact, the port is exploring renewable energy sources to power its operations.

He later handed over cheques worth Rs 3.63 crore to the beneficiaries under CSR initiatives. Some of the areas notable are cybersecurity and safety for youth; mid-day meal for unaided school children under Akshaya Patra; providing a van for special children; enhancing infrastructure for government sector; free evening medical clinics; providing computers and library books, construction of environmental management facilities at Lions Cancer Centre and creating amenities relating sanitation.