Coal news and updates

Gangavaram force majeure valid for 4 weeks

October 17: Gangavaram Port reported extensive damage of property following the land fall of cyclone Hudhud on October 12, a source in a shipping company told ICMW, quoting the commercial department at Gangavaram Port on October 17.

He added that port officials indicated the notice of force majeure declared on October 14 is likely to be valid for 4 weeks from the date of issue of the notice.

“Regarding marine vessels berthing, Gangavaram Port has still not decided and will revert once it takes a decision. It did inform that there will be no change to the status for this week,” the source said.

However the source, quoting the commercial department of Gangavaram Port said that rake movement at the port resumed on the night of October 15.

Meanwhile, at Vizag Port, the port authorities would try out the conveyer system of the iron ore berth that was reported to be damaged by strong winds. “Presently, a complete check is being carried out by the engineering department,” source said.

“Though power supply has been mostly resolved, some shore cranes are still not operable due to cable damages. At present, cranes of berth number 7 on the east quay side of the inner harbour are being operated only in daylight hours,” said the source, adding: “The container terminal is operating with one crane and the second crane is expected to resume work today. Fuel supplies have been fully restored.”

Vizag General Cargo Berth or VGCB, which had ceased its operations since October 10 due to the cyclone is still unable to serve its customers. “They will inform the trade once they are ready with their facilities for coal discharge operations,” the source added.