Asia/Pacific News
Indian Port Plans Bunkering Facilities
Krishnapatnam Port on India's east coast formally dedicated its new container terminal to the nation on Tuesday, and said it was planning more additions including bunkering facilities, shipbuilding, and repair, Indian newspaper Business Standard reports.
The first phase of Krishnapatnam Port Container Terminal (KPCT) has a capacity to handle 1.2 million tonnes of cargo per annum, and that will rise to six million tonnes in a few years, according to KPCT CEO Anil Yendluri.
The port was reported to offer the deepest draft on the Bay of Bengal coast, and is already being used by Maersk Line and Mediterranean Shipping Company.
"Work is in progress on the development of a dedicated terminal for export of cars and in future we will also have ship building and repair facilities along with bunkering facilities," Yendlur said, adding that the port is also planning a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal.
The privately-run port, which opened in 2008, aims to become the largest port on India's east coast and one of the biggest in the world, according to its website.
"We anticipate about 40-50 per cent growth during the current year with cargo set to cross 30 million tonnes during the current year," Yendluri told reports.
