Visakha Container Terminal Private Ltd (VCTPL) is aiming at half-a-million TEUs in a phased manner, according to Capt. Sriram Ravi Chander, its Chief Operating Officer.

VCTPL — a joint venture of DP World and United Liner Agencies of India (Pvt) Ltd — launched container operations on June 26, 2003. During 2011-12, VCTPL handled an all-time high traffic of 2,34,733 TEUs.

Kolkata-haldia traffic

“We are very optimistic of reaching 3,50,000 TEUs first and later achieving half-a-million TEUs a year in a phased manner. Kolkata-Haldia transhipment cargo and local movement from hinterland have led to deployment of larger ships,” Capt. Ravi Chander said in an interview.

The drop in freight rates has made using containers for bulk cargo and for bringing cargo earmarked for other ports to Visakhapatnam viable.

Kolkata-Haldia traffic, diverted to Visakhapatnam, has been able to provide additional cargo to the local port.

Large container vessels such as Maersk Line could berth at the VCTPL.

A linkage with Nepal is also likely to happen shortly.

VCTPL handled 1,45,000 TEUs in 2010-11.

During 2011-12, it could achieve a growth rate of 58 per cent.

The terminal recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.4 per cent.

Additional berth

To meet future requirements, VCTPL is making an effort to develop an additional berth with a length of 350 metres to handle 350,000 TEU a year .

The length will subsequently go up to 500 metres in the next phase. A quay length of 350 metres can enable handling of two big size vessels simultaneously.

VCTPL officials are confident of handling higher volumes with plans to increase the back-up area. Doubling of the Vizianagaram-Raipur railway line and the electrification being undertaken on the route will also increase the cargo. vzchs@thehindu.co.in

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