The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
PARADIP, JAN 26, 2024
Republic Day was celebrated with fervor and enthusiasm by the Paradip Port Authority (PPA). P.L. Haranadh, Chairman of PPA, proudly unfurled the National Flag, marking the occasion with patriotic zeal. In his address, he lauded the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting India’s rapid strides towards a 5 trillion-dollar economy and comprehensive development across all sectors.
Under the dynamic stewardship of Union Minister of MoPSW, Sarbananda Sonowal, the port sector has experienced unprecedented growth and development. Paradip Port, in particular, has emerged as a beacon of excellence in the Indian maritime domain, earning prestigious accolades such as the “Sagar Shrestha Samman 2023” from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. This recognition underscores the unwavering commitment of every individual associated with Paradip Port towards achieving operational excellence.
Paradip Port’s remarkable journey of success reached new milestones with the recent achievement of crossing the 100 million metric tons (MMT) cargo volume mark within an impressive 262 days of the current financial year. This feat, achieved 22 days ahead of last year’s performance, solidifies Paradip Port’s position as the leading cargo handling major port in the country.
Strategically located amidst a rich mineral and industrial hinterland, Paradip Port has been instrumental in meeting the growing demands of the region. The port’s focus on capacity expansion, modernization, and enhanced connectivity has resulted in significant progress, with a capacity addition of 55 MTPA over the last five years, including 30 MTPA of berth mechanization.
The inauguration of the Jindal Paradip Port Limited’s Western Dock Project, with a capacity of 25 MTPA, is poised to further augment the port’s capacity beyond 300 MTPA upon completion. This project will enable the handling of fully laden Cape size vessels, ensuring economies of scale for customers and enhancing the port’s profitability.
Looking ahead, Paradip Port is committed to realizing the Maritime India Vision 2030, aiming to evolve into a world-class mega port with over 400 MTPA capacity through various capacity augmentation projects. The port’s focus on mechanization, productivity enhancement, and eco-friendly cargo handling will drive its transformation into a sustainable and efficient port facility.
As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability, Paradip Port has been identified as a key player in the National Green Hydrogen Mission, with plans underway for the development of hydrogen adoption and its derivatives as propulsion fuel for ships. Collaboration with renowned institutions like The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) further reinforces Paradip Port’s dedication to green initiatives.
In addition to its strategic developments, Paradip Port remains dedicated to the welfare of its employees, implementing various initiatives to enhance their well-being. The recent enhancements in benefits, salary increments, and housing provisions demonstrate PPA’s commitment to employee welfare and empowerment.
The Republic Day celebrations at Paradip Port were not only marked by official ceremonies but also by cultural and recreational activities, including competitions, exhibitions, and performances, showcasing the vibrant spirit of the port community.
In conclusion, Paradip Port Authority’s steadfast commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability positions it as a leading force in India’s maritime landscape, poised for even greater achievements in the years to come.
