Visakhapatnam Port is seeing growing traction to coastal cargo movement and is set to capitalise on the trend. Initiatives like priority berthing facility for vessels under coastal run, concession in tariff for both vessel cargo related charges, dedicated cargo berth for handling coastal cargo with required back up storage yard facility are on the offer.
The coastal traffic handled at the major port constitute 26 to 30% of the total traffic handled during the last two financial years. During FY23, VPA handled 73.75 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo, out of which 31 per cent pertained to coastal. It was almost the same during the previous financial year too.
The target for coastal traffic during the current year set by the Ministry is 20 MMT and so far (during the first quarter) the port handled 5.10 MMT of coastal cargo.
Broad policy initiatives being offered for promotion of coastal shipping include green channel clearance for coastal cargo through customs, exemption in customs examination of coastal cargo prior to shipment/landing and concession to an extent of 40 percent to coastal cargo vessels, among others.
“Moreover, we are in the economic and energy corridor of the country with location advantage too,” the VPA Chairperson said.
