Piling coal stocks forces Paradip Port to turn away ships

News was prepared under the information support of Online Daily Newspaper on Hellenic and international Shipping "Hellenic Shipping News".

31 Dec 2009

Paradip Port Trust is unable to accept any more coal ships in view of the huge built-up of coal stocks, more than two million tonnes, within the port premises. The limited availability of railway rakes for evacuation of coal imported so far has created the accumulation and there is no space left where more coal can be dumped.
“We've already refused permission to two ships carrying coal for steel plants”, Mr K Raghuramaiah, Chairman of PPT, told Business Line. “We may have to say the same thing to others also if the situation does not improve”. Right now PPT has more than 200 indents, i.e. demand for more than 200 rakes.
PPT took up the matter with the Railway Board a few days ago, emphasising the need for placing more empty rakes for early easing of the accumulated stock, though not with much success. “Almost every day we're pleading for empty rakes”, the Chairman said. “We're hoping that our appeal will not go entirely unheeded and something will be done shortly”.
Iron ore berth
Meanwhile, the Nobel group, which has been awarded contract for construction of deep draught iron ore berth in the port, it is feared, may not be able to start work from January 1, as stipulated in the contract.
The Environment Ministry is yet to give the coastal zone clearance. “Unless the clearance is available within the next few days, there will be delay to start the work of the ore berth”, said the Chairman. The similar clearance for the deep draught coal berth to be built by the Essar group was also awaited, he added.
It may be noted that the Nobel Group has objected to the PPT's bid to mechanise the port's CQ3 berth, saying such mechanisation will harm its interests.
“We've held meetings with the Nobel Group but the issue is yet to be resolved”, said the Deputy Chairman, Mr Biplav Kumar.

Source: Hindu Business Line