Coal news and updates

NTPC exploring options to buy imported coal on C&F basis

June 5: NTPC Limited, Asia’s largest power generation company, is exploring a different method for procuring imported coal for one of its power plants, a source in the company told ICMW.

“We are trying a different mode on a trial basis for procuring imported coal on C&F basis with marine insurance, on high seas sales basis for the first time for the Simhadri power plant,” the source said.

The company used to procure imported coal through government-owned commodity traders till it switched over to direct imports on its own in 2012 on FOR destination basis.

NTPC is now looking to take delivery of coal under new method at Gangavaram or Vizag ports.

“A notice inviting tender was floated on May 1 last inviting bids from suppliers for supply of 1 million tons of imported coal for Simhadri power plant on C&F, marine insurance, high seas sales basis,” the source said.

The document sale date for procurement through the latest route ended on May 28 and the bid receipt date has been fixed for June 12.

“The techno-commercial bid will also be opened on June 12,” the source added.

Under the new mode, the bidder will be required to deliver coal from source up to the unload port (Vizag or Gangavaram) and take the marine insurance of the cargo after identifying the mines.

The bidder will also have to liaison with coal mines outside India and co-ordinate at the load port – which will involve stevedoring activities, handling, arranging vessels etc at the load port etc.