NMPT handles record traffic in 2007-08

Mangalore, Apr 10 (UNI) The New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) has clocked an all-time record by handling 36.02 million tonnes during 2007-08, a 12 per cent growth over the previour year.

Informing this at a press conference here today, NMPT chairman P Tamilvanan said the number of vessels handled during 2007-08 also increased to 1,144 from 1,015, besides handling of 21,460 TEUs against 17,290 TEUs during the previous year.

It also achieved a higher handling of 61.85 lakh tonnes of rail-bound traffic, against 30.18 lakh tonnes handled during the previous year, he said adding the total revenue of the port had crossed Rs 300 crore and for the third successive year, earned a net surplus of Rs 115 crore with the total expenditure of Rs 187 crore.

The port had earned a revenue of Rs 4.90 crore from Railway traffic during 2007-08, the highest so for, he said and added that it was targeting to achieve an additional 22.50 MT traffic by 2011-12 in addition to the present traffic capacity of 41 MT by enhancing facilities at the port.

The NMPT was planning for development of coal handling facilities for captive users, setting up of a multi-purpose general cargo berth, port-based SEZ, facilities for bulk cement handling and iron ore handling at berth 8 by utilizing mechanized handling system by KIOC, he said.

For smooth handling of all types of cargo at the port, it had created several additional infrastructures besides taking steps to improve the port roads and stack yards in phased manner, he said adding that a 32 tonne B P Tug would be procured by February 2009 to cope with the increase number of vessels calling at the port.

A modern cruise lounge built at the cost of Rs 3 crore was ready for commission to handle more number of vessels, he added.

Replying a question, Mr Tamilvanan said under Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ), port-based SEZ activities would be taken up under which MRPL had proposed to set up an exclusive terminal for LPG at the port.

He said in view of the recent two ship tragedy near the port, the Director-General Shipping had taken steps to check intensively all ships calling at the port.

UNI MA SIV ROY 1937