Haldia Dock Complex has achieved an all-time record of cargo handling of 46.67 million tonnes (MnT) during 2019-20, registering a 3.25% growth against a national average of 0.82% of all major port trusts. The highest-ever cargo (4.64 tonnes handled in a single month was achieved in January, 2020. Besides, a single-day record handling of 20,320 tonnes (MT) of non-coking coal in terms of cargo lighterage at Sandhead on February 3, 2020 has been attained.
On June 10, 2020 HDC discharged the highest-ever single vessel LPG parcel load of 27,980 MT. Further, HDC has been successful not only in retaining its cargo but also in mobilising new cargo like steel at Haldia and had successfully handled 7.27 MnT cargo since April 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rail-borne traffic
HDC also achieved an all-time high of 24.1 MnT of rail-borne traffic handled during 2019-20, thereby registering a 2.18% growth. The rail-borne traffic handled in the month of May, 2020 increased by 20.8% over that of April, 2020. In order to enhance the efficiency, one new siding has been added and two more are at an advanced stage of construction. Expression of interest (EoI) for development of an LPG siding was floated in May, 2020.
Township policy
HDC has also evolved various marketing strategies in an attempt to woo prospecting organisations for investing in Haldia through land-related activities. The Ministry of Shipping, Government of India, is also in the process of formulating a Township Policy for Kolkata Port Trust.
LPG handling project
The marine operations of HDC were carried out smoothly all along despite COVID-19 pandemic and in the aftermath of the Amphan super-cyclone. A new lay-up berth was commissioned in January, 2020 and a landmark project of LPG handling through barges via inland waterways is being contemplated.
Besides, the river draft has increased whereas the dredging expenditure has decreased in the last few months. This apart, HDC is pursuing actively in night berthing at HOJ-II and is contemplating its implementation shortly.
