Coal news and updates

Krishnapatnam to boost coal handling infrastructure

April 16: Krishnapatnam Port Company Limited (KPCL) plans to ramp up the existing infrastructure to handle more coal, a senior official from the port told ICMW.

“Of the country’s projected coal imports of 240 million tons by 2015-16, KPCL is aiming to have a bigger share and aiming to handle 40-50 mt of imported coal in FY16. In order to meet the expected coal import growth, the port has plans to ramp up the existing infrastructure,” the official said.

The plans include construction of new berths, mechanisation of cargo handling system etc. The official said the port is also planning to increase its draft from the existing 18.5 metres to berth more capsize vessels at the port, the official said.

“New equipment such as ship unloaders, post-panamax quay cranes, mobile-harbour cranes, etc are being added,” the official said.

The official also said the port plans to double its rake handling in the next two-three years. “The port currently handles 25 rakes a day and aims to steadily reach 50 rakes in the next two to three years with the doubling of railway lines in the near future,” he said.