Paradip Port achieves historic milestone: Monthly cargo volume surpasses 14 MMT for the first time

Paradip, Feb 1, 2024 : Paradip Port Authority (PPA) has set a new benchmark in the maritime industry, demonstrating unparalleled dedication and efficiency by handling a record-breaking monthly cargo volume exceeding 14 MMT in January 2024. This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone in the history of all Major Ports across the nation, surpassing the previous record of 13.5 MMT set in March 2023.

Paradip Port Chairman PL Haranadh extended heartfelt congratulations to Team PPA for their exceptional performance. He also expressed sincere gratitude to Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal for his visionary leadership and invaluable guidance, which played a pivotal role in this historic accomplishment.

To commemorate this momentous occasion, a symbolic cake-cutting ceremony was held, presided over by the PPA Chairman in the presence of Deputy Chairman Nilabhra Dasgupta and other senior officials.

Looking ahead to the rest of 2024, Paradip Port is poised to set a new all-time record in cargo handling, with projections exceeding 145 MMT for the current fiscal year. This ambitious target aims to establish Paradip Port as the premier port in the country for the first time since its inception, in terms of cargo volume handling.

As of January-end, the cargo volume handled by PPA in the current fiscal year stands at an impressive 119.85 MMT, showcasing a remarkable growth rate of 9.67 per cent compared to the corresponding period in the previous fiscal.

Coal handling remains a cornerstone of the port’s operations, constituting approximately 44.49 per cent of the total cargo volume, with 53.32 MMT handled. Additionally, there has been a notable surge of 59.42 per cent in the handling of Iron Ore and Pellet cargo, reaching a total of 21.84 MMT.

Furthermore, Paradip Port achieved a record number of shipping movements with pilots, totalling 738 in January 2024, surpassing the previous record of 639 movements in December 2023.

Paradip Port has demonstrated significant improvement in key performance parameters, with berth productivity reaching an impressive 32,612 MT per day per ship, the highest among all Major Ports in the country. Additionally, the Pre-Berthing Detention time has been reduced to 1.20 hours compared to 1.78 hours in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Moreover, Paradip Port is emerging as a pivotal coastal shipping hub, pioneering coastal shipping of thermal coal to the west coast, particularly to Maharashtra-based power plants, for the first time in history. Plans are underway to expand coastal shipping of thermal coal to other regions along the west coast.

The Port’s unwavering commitment to operational excellence, coupled with strategic improvements in cargo handling, has solidified its position as a key player in meeting the evolving needs of the industry. With a sustainable marketing approach, PPA aims to strengthen its collaboration with Port Users and achieve even greater milestones in the future.