According to reports, Odisha’s Gopalpur Port has received its first-ever capesize vessel carrying 105,000 tonnes of limestone. With this, Gopalpur Port now becomes one of India’s few ports that can handle capesize vessels.
The maiden shipment of 105,000 tonnes of steel grade limestone was imported from the Middle-East by JSPL, one of Gopalpur Port’s key customers. The ship used for this import is owned by Essar Shipping.
An expansion program is currently underway at the port located in south-eastern Odisha, the primary aim of which is the dredging of the channel to enable it to receive large ships, as confirmed by officials. With the completion of dredging, the port will be capable of receiving modern, large-sized ships.
“We are very proud to have successfully handled a vessel carting 105,000 tonnes on October 12. In a short time, the Shapoorji Pallonji Group has made significant progress in making Gopalpur Port a world-class port,” said Amit Saboo, Managing Director of Shapoorji Pallonji Port Maintenance Pvt Ltd.
Currently, the Gopalpur Port handles cargo with three berths with an aim to increase the capacity to 55 million tonnes per annum by 2025.