The two ports in Visakhapatnam - the public sector Visakhapatnam main port and Gangavaram port - are still not in a position to resume cargo-handling operations. However, the Visakhapatnam Container Terminal Private Limited (VCTPL) in the outer harbour resumed its operations and the first vessel after the cyclone Hudhud left the container terminal on Friday.

Operations were suspended both at the Visakhapatnam port and Gangavaram port from Sunday in view of the very severe cyclonic storm, Hudhud, and it is learnt both the ports suffered huge damage in the cyclone. The inner harbour of the Visakhapatnam port suffered badly and there was some damage to the outer harbour as well. There was damage to the cargo in the port as well.

There was no word yet from the Visakhapatnam port authorities on the extent of damage or when cargo-handling would resume at the port. However, the State Government officials put the damage to the Visakhapatnam port at Rs 300 crores.

The Visakhapatnam container terminal in the outer harbour - a BOT project - resumed operations after the cyclone. The Chief Operating Officer of the VCTPL, Sushil Moolchandani, said Passat Summer bound for Singapore arrived here on Wednesday with 1,000 TEUs and it was loaded with 600 containers. It left the VCTPL on Friday afternoon. Another vessel, Maersk Dubronvik, arrived at 3 p.m with 800 TEUs and it may leave here by Saturday evening," he said.

He said the electrical, electronic, and mechanical installations were intact because of the precautionary measures taken by the VCTPL. The VCTPL earned kudos for resuming operations in such quick time after a disaster of such magnitude.

Power was restored to the Visakhapatnam port and it is learnt that the authorities are making efforts to get the port going once again.

#sarma.rs@thehindu.co.in

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