NMP to get mechanised bulk cargo berth

The mechanised operations at Berth No 16 in the New Mangalore Port (NMP) will begin in March.

New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) Chairman M T Krishna Babu said that Chettinad Mangalore Coal Terminal Limited would handle the operations. It will have a cargo handling capacity of 6.73 MMT per annum.

Krishna Babu who spoke to reporters at NMPT office recently, said that mechanisation was being taken up at a cost of Rs 469.46 crore. “It is end-to-end mechanisation of dusty cargo handling. This will enhance the air quality in the area,” he explained.

He said that NMP would take up Berth 14 mechanisation for other cargo too. “We have issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ). A proposal will be submitted to the government. Cargo handling capacity of 6.02 MMT will be created in two phases at Rs 280.71 crore,” he stated.

“NMPT has planned a multipurpose berth for container handling and multiple bulk cargo (at Rs 200 crore). “The project will begin on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis. NMPT will begin dredging to maintain a uniform draft of 14 metres throughout the year on the channel,” said Krishna Babu.

“IIT Chennai will submit the feasibility report. They are the Centre of Excellence in the maritime study, recognised by the Ministry of Shipping. IIT will also study the economic feasibility of increasing the draft up to 16.5 metres to attract bigger vessels. Once the draft is increased to 16.5 meters, 1.5 lakh tonne capacity vessels can be handled,” he added.

He said the ongoing civil works for the installation of a scanner would be completed by March and the equipment will be installed soon.

“The cost of the scanner is Rs 28 crore. The container scanner will ensure the speed of clearance by avoiding physical inspection. Authorised Export Operator (AEO) certified containers will not be scanned,” he clarified.

The NMPT chairman said that the port would augment its warehousing capacity by building two more covered sheds. The port would install high mast lighting at the newly developed yard between SJ Gate and Berth No 18, he revealed.