Coal news and updates

Gangavaram Port starts trial run after cyclone

October 30: Gangavaram Port started trial runs of port operations on October 30, for the first time after the landfall of cyclone Hudhud, a senior official at the port’s commercial department told ICMW.

“From today we have started trial run of the port.  Since morning we have berthed four vessels on a trial basis and till now things are running smoothly. By evening we will be able to know whether all infrastructures are operating well,” he said.

The port started trial run 18 days after the land fall of cyclone Hudhudon October 12.

The official, however, clarified that it may take several more days to start regular operations. “Based on the trial run we may start operation but we may again have to shut down for maintenance,” he said.

He refused to provide details of the loss of cargo due to this.

Earlier, port officials had invoked the force majeure clause for four weeks. According to a very early assessment from Gangavaram Port officials, it was found that the cyclone caused extensive damage to port infrastructure, including storage sheds and other areas.

“We are expecting a number of vessels but all berths are yet to be ready,” the official added.