Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata has resumed coastal thermal coal handling at the Mechanical Thermal Coal Handling Facility at Berth No. 3 of Haldia Dock Complex (HDC), restoring operations after a gap of nine months and reinforcing its role in India’s coastal energy logistics.
The recommissioned facility is currently handling around 27,100 metric tonnes (MT) of thermal coal for Andhra Pradesh Power Development Company Limited (APPDCL). The cargo is being loaded onto a coastal vessel that will call at Paradip Port before reaching its final destination at Krishnapatnam Port.
The shipment marks APPDCL’s first coastal thermal coal movement through HDC’s Mechanical Coal Handling Plant in nearly nine months and is expected to enhance the movement of thermal coal to power plants through India’s coastal shipping network.
According to the port, the revival of the mechanical coal handling facility will improve cargo throughput, reduce vessel turnaround time and enhance operational efficiency, while strengthening Haldia Dock Complex’s position as a key gateway for coastal shipping and bulk energy cargo on the country’s eastern coast.
Commenting on the development, Rathendra Raman, Chairperson, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, said the recommissioning of the facility reflects the engineering expertise, customer-centric approach and operational commitment of the Haldia Dock Complex team. He noted that the restored facility will further strengthen the port’s logistics capabilities while supporting India’s growing energy requirements.
SMP Kolkata expects the revived facility to contribute to higher cargo volumes and improved service delivery as it continues to expand its role in handling coastal bulk cargo and supporting the nation’s energy supply chain.
