The Business Bytes
Bhubaneswar, September 20, 2024 (TBB Bureau): In a significant stride toward India’s green energy revolution, Paradip Port is positioning itself as a national hub for green hydrogen and ammonia production. Plans for a dedicated berth, aligned with India’s sustainable energy goals, were unveiled by Paradip Port Authority (PPA) Chairman, PL Haranadh, during the “Stakeholders’ Meet and Award Nite-2024” held here on Friday.
While addressing a distinguished gathering of industry leaders, stakeholders, and port officials, Haranadh outlined ambitious projects that will propel Paradip Port to the forefront of maritime infrastructure. Among the key initiatives is the highly anticipated Western Dock project, scheduled for completion by 2026. This will enable the port to handle fully laden cape vessels, significantly expanding its capacity to over 300 million metric tonnes.
Additionally, Paradip Port has set its sights on achieving 100 per cent berth mechanization by 2030, further solidifying its position as a leader in port infrastructure development. These initiatives underscore the port’s forward-thinking approach, prioritizing both capacity enhancement and sustainability.
The PPA’s “Awards Nite 2024” was a night of celebration and reflection, as the port authority honoured key achievements in the maritime sector. The event recognized the port’s rise to becoming India’s highest cargo-handling major port, with a record-breaking cargo throughput of 145.38 million metric tonnes in the fiscal year 2023-24. This milestone marked a significant 25 percent increase in traffic over the past two years, further cementing Paradip’s position as a key player in India’s maritime industry.
During his speech, Haranadh emphasized the importance of operational efficiency, citing improvements such as reduced idle time at the mechanized coal handling plant and the introduction of simultaneous operations at coal berths. These developments, he said, have played a pivotal role in enhancing the port’s competitiveness on a global scale.
Expressing his gratitude, the Chairman acknowledged the collective efforts of all stakeholders, including officers, staff, unions, and partners, whose contributions have been instrumental in the port’s success. “While we celebrate these remarkable achievements, they are only the beginning of Paradip Port’s journey towards even greater heights, driven by innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence,” Haranadh said.
The evening culminated in a heartfelt vote of thanks by PPA Deputy Chairman Nilabhra Dasgupta, who praised the dedication of all those involved in Paradip Port’s progress. With a strong foundation in place, Paradip Port is well poised to continue leading the way in India’s maritime future, shaping the industry with its vision of excellence, sustainability, and growth.
The Awards Nite 2024 was not only a celebration of past successes but also a declaration of the port’s commitment to future advancements in green energy and global maritime leadership.
