Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata has restarted coastal thermal coal handling at Haldia Dock Complex’s Berth No. 3 after nine months, boosting energy logistics and cargo operations on India’s eastern coast.

Haldia Dock Complex Restarts Coastal Thermal Coal Handling, Strengthens Energy Logistics Network

Kolkata: The Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMP Kolkata) has achieved a major operational milestone with the revival of coastal thermal coal handling at its rejuvenated Mechanical Thermal Coal Handling Facility at Berth No. 3.

The facility has resumed operations after a gap of nine months, marking a significant step in strengthening coastal coal logistics and supporting the energy requirements of power utilities across India.

First Coastal Thermal Coal Shipment for APPDCL in Nine Months

Following the revival of the facility, a vessel is currently loading approximately 27,100 metric tonnes (MT) of thermal coal for the Andhra Pradesh Power Development Company Limited (APPDCL).

This marks the first coastal thermal coal shipment for APPDCL through HDC’s Mechanical Coal Handling Plant in nearly nine months.

After completing loading operations at Haldia, the vessel will proceed to Paradip Port before transporting the cargo to its final destination at Krishnapatnam Port.

Facility Revival to Improve Cargo Efficiency

The restoration of the Mechanical Thermal Coal Handling Facility at Berth No. 3 is expected to improve cargo handling capacity at HDC and strengthen the port’s role in coastal shipping and energy logistics.

The revival is likely to contribute to:

• Higher cargo throughput
• Improved vessel turnaround time
• More efficient coastal coal transportation
• Stronger support for coastal power utilities

The development reinforces HDC’s position as an important logistics hub for bulk cargo movement along India’s eastern coastline.

Boost to Coastal Shipping and Energy Supply Chain

Coastal movement of thermal coal provides an efficient transportation option for power plants and industrial users, helping optimize supply chains and reduce dependency on traditional land-based logistics.

The renewed operations at Haldia Dock Complex are expected to support reliable coal movement for coastal power projects while improving the overall efficiency of energy logistics networks.

SMP Kolkata Chairperson Applauds Team Efforts

Congratulating the team on the operational achievement, SMP Kolkata Chairperson Shri Rathendra Raman highlighted the dedication and technical expertise behind the revival.

He said that the resumption of coastal thermal coal handling at Berth No. 3 reflects the team’s engineering capabilities, customer-focused approach, and commitment to improving port operations.

Raman also appreciated the efforts of the Haldia Dock Complex team led by Managing Director Shri A. Jayasimha, along with trade partners and unions, whose cooperation contributed to the successful restoration of the facility.

Importance of the Development

The revival of the coal handling facility comes at a time when efficient energy logistics remain critical for India’s growing power requirements. Strengthening coastal transportation infrastructure can help improve supply chain reliability while enhancing the operational capacity of major ports.

For SMP Kolkata, the achievement represents another step toward expanding cargo-handling capabilities and supporting India’s maritime and energy sectors.

Conclusion

The restart of coastal thermal coal handling at Haldia Dock Complex’s Berth No. 3 marks a significant operational achievement for SMP Kolkata. With the successful handling of APPDCL’s 27,100 MT thermal coal shipment, the facility is set to play a larger role in coastal coal transportation, improving logistics efficiency and supporting power generation needs across India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What milestone has SMP Kolkata achieved?

SMP Kolkata has revived coastal thermal coal handling operations at Haldia Dock Complex’s Mechanical Thermal Coal Handling Facility at Berth No. 3 after nine months.

How much coal is being handled in the first shipment?

The vessel is loading approximately 27,100 MT of thermal coal for Andhra Pradesh Power Development Company Limited (APPDCL).

Where will the coal shipment travel after leaving Haldia?

The vessel will first proceed to Paradip Port and then deliver the cargo to its final destination at Krishnapatnam Port.

Why is this revival important?

The facility’s revival is expected to increase cargo throughput, improve turnaround time, and strengthen coastal shipping and energy logistics operations.

Who led the successful revival effort?

SMP Kolkata Chairperson Shri Rathendra Raman credited the Haldia Dock Complex team led by Managing Director Shri A. Jayasimha, along with trade partners and unions, for making the operational revival possible.

Key Takeaways

• Haldia Dock Complex has restarted coastal thermal coal handling after a nine-month gap.
• The revived Berth No. 3 facility is handling a 27,100 MT thermal coal shipment for APPDCL.
• The development strengthens SMP Kolkata’s role in coastal coal logistics and energy supply chains.
• The facility revival is expected to improve cargo throughput and vessel turnaround efficiency.
• SMP Kolkata aims to continue expanding its contribution to India’s maritime and energy infrastructure.