Indus Valley Times

By Peravakar Sahoo

Paradip, Aug.15: 78th Independence Day was celebrated by the Paradip Port Authority filled with patriotic fervour, flag hoisting and cultural events. Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest,  Shri P.L. Harandh, Chairman, PPA hoisted the National Flag.

Addressing the occasion, he said that Paradip Port Authority cargo throughput zoomed past 50 MMT (Million Metric Tonnes) mark in current fiscal by the end of July. After a spectacular last fiscal, PPA has made an auspicious beginning to FY 24-25 and total cargo volume has reached 50.16 MMT (Million Metric Tonnes) within the first four months (122 days), which is the fastest ever in PPA history. Paradip Port’s competitive port tariffs undoubtedly play a significant role in attracting business, but there are several other factors like ease of doing business initiatives, various system improvement measures and ecosystem of efficiency at the Port, which make it the preferred port among the business community for moving EXIM cargo.

PPA pilots have successfully carried out first ever STS operation at NOJ of Paradip port to transfer of special grade diesel on 24.07.2024. They have been successful in handling Ammonium nitrate vessel through Mediterranean mooring method, which is the first of its kind in Indian Port history. The Port has ambitious plans to expand its capacity to 400 MMTPA by 2030 and 500 MMTPA by 2047. As a part of this augmentation exercise, Port will commission two new berths in northern dock, one berth in Southern dock and one green berth by 2030. Apart from this 4 semi mechanised berths also will be mechanised by 2030, thus upgrading the port to a level of >80% mechanisation.

The Western Dock project, with 25 MMTPA capacity is progressing rapidly and we will be able to complete the project much before the target date of 2028. With the completion of this project, port will be enabled to handle Cape Vessels, thus reducing the cost of logistics of our customers substantially.

To develop Paradip Port as a Green Port, one hydrogen berth is proposed to be constructed near South Break Water. Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, Paradip Port has been identified as one of the Major Ports to be developed as a hydrogen hub. Plans are underway for the development of port facilities, with a focus on hydrogen adoption and its derivatives such as ammonia and methanol as propulsion fuel for ships.

Paradip Port has tremendous potential for diversification and growth, particularly in the container segment.

The commencement of container services by major shipping liners like MSC, RCL facilitating direct connectivity to the Ports of Colombo and port Klans, is a big leap in operationalisation of Container traffic.

Additionally, the completion of the Multimodal Logistics Park being developed by CONCOR will further boost container traffic through our port. There are also plans for facilitating setting up of two MDC CFSs in the region.

As part of Corporate Environmental Responsibility, Paradip Port is focusing on environmental protection and mitigation of pollution.

Every year the port is adding one lakh plants to the environment of Paradip and now we are able to create an urban forest in this locality.

Under CSR, for the first time

Comprehensive Health Check-up of all contractual workers, those who are engaged directly as well as through manpower contract/from outsourced agencies started w.e.f dt. 09.12.2023. 1344 Nos. of contractual employees availed the health check-up facility. We will make it mandatory to work in Paradip Port to ensure better health condition of all workers.

Paradip Port is building a Housing Complex of high rise eight storey buildings of modern living standards. Phase I work has already been started and it is slated for completion in the beginning of 2026. To meet the demand of drinking water in Port Township, we are constructing a new reservoir as well as a new water treatment plant. The work for which has already been started.

Thereafter, Shri  Haranadh awarded prizes to winners of various competitions held among local school children & Officers and employees of various departments, who have excelled in their respective work area. ASI, Fire, Shri H.H. Das who will be conferred President’s Police Medal for distinguished services was specially felicitated by the Chairman, PPA. Later on he awarded winner and Runners up Trophies to the marching contingents.

Later on Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA inaugurated & hoisted Tricolour atop 100 ft Giant Mast which waves in the open area in front of Admin Building of PPA. Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy Chairman along with other HoDs graced the occasion.

Coinciding with Independence Day celebrations. Jagannath Lalita Kala Sansad, the Cultural Wing of PPA organized a Poets’ Meet on Patriotic theme at Officers’ Club. An exhibition Football match was held in the afternoon between Paradip Port team and Harsina Football Team, Kujang. In the evening, inter-school dance competitions on patriotic themes were held among school children at Biju Convention Centre. The winners were awarded by Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy. Chairman, PPA.