Port handled total cargo of 33.18 m tonnes, achieved 60% growth
the goan I network
VASCO
“The port had handled 14.72 million tonnes of iron ore cargo as compared to 3.78 million tonnes during the previous year,” said Jayakumar, while addressing a news conference.
“The port’s efficiency has increased due to introduction of an additional Mobile Harbour Crane at Berth 10 and two Grab Ship Unloaders at Berth 6. The railway rake handling efficiency had improved from 6.6 rakes per day to 9.1 rakes per day, resulting in faster cargo evacuation,” he added.
Jayakumar also informed that a modern cruise terminal was being built at the cost of Rs 8.50 crore, with facilities like immigration, customs, restaurant, FOREX booth, taxi booth and souvenir shops under one roof.
“The MPT plans to handle around 50 cruise vessels during the next season and aims for 100 vessels by 2020 besides this, MPT is likely to start a domestic cruise connecting Goa and Mumbai by October.”
The MPT chairman informed that redevelopment of iron berths to capesized multi cargo terminal would be completed by 2020 with an investment of Rs 1145.36 crore, which would boost iron ore exports from Goa by reducing logistic costs.
Commenting on the four-lane road project, Jayakumar said: “MPT is contributing Rs 184 crore for the four-lane connectivity road project and the final phase will be completed by October 2018. Port-bound truck movement will be routed through this new road connectivity, which will eliminate the traffic congestion in Vasco city.”
“The plan for the Khariwada fishing harbor at Vasco bay has been finalized in consultation with the government, Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association and the issue has been amicably resolved to pave way for development of Vasco bay. The EIA studies for Environment Clearance is underway and work is expected to start by October and complete by 2019,” he said.
“The MPT is also concerned about environment protection and we have initiated many measures to curb pollution and the port is also involved in various projects in port town through the CSR MPT initiative further added Jayakumar.
On the occasion, Jayakumar presented an award of appreciation to Fomento Resouces for iron ore exports and it was received by Fomento Resources (Director-Marine) Alvito D’Souza on behalf of Fomento Resources Managing Director Ambar Timblo.
The MPT chairman also felicitated other stakeholders involved in helping MPT attain a surplus for 2016-17.
