PARADIP, SEP 20
The Paradip Port Authority (PPA) held its illustrious “Awards Nite 2024” at a private hotel in Bhubaneswar, honouring significant achievements in the maritime sector. The event drew distinguished guests, stakeholders, and industry leaders, celebrating the port’s remarkable progress and its new milestones in the Indian maritime landscape.
In his address, PPA Chairman PL Haranadh expressed pride in the port’s accomplishments, noting a pivotal moment in its 56-year history. For the first time, Paradip Port has become the highest cargo-handling major port in India, achieving an impressive cargo throughput of 145.38 million metric tonnes during the fiscal year 2023-24. This milestone, along with a 25 percent increase in traffic over the last two years, was a central theme of the evening.
Haranadh highlighted several key initiatives that have bolstered the port’s efficiency, including the reduction of idle time at the mechanized coal handling plant and the introduction of simultaneous operations at coal berths. These efforts underscore Paradip’s development as a competitive hub for maritime operations.
Looking toward the future, the Chairman detailed ambitious projects aimed at expanding the port’s capacity, notably the Western Dock project, which will enable the handling of fully laden cape vessels by 2026 and increase overall capacity beyond 300 million metric tonnes. Additionally, the port is committed to achieving 100 per cent berth mechanization by 2030, reinforcing its infrastructure leadership.
In a forward-thinking initiative, Paradip Port is set to become a national hub for green hydrogen and ammonia, with plans for a dedicated berth to align with India’s green energy goals.
Haranadh expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, including officers, staff, unions, and partners, for their invaluable contributions to the port’s successes. He emphasized that while these achievements are significant, they serve as a foundation for future growth driven by innovation, sustainability, and a shared vision of excellence in the global maritime sector.
The Awards Night 2024 served as a celebration of these milestones, recognizing the collective efforts of all those involved in Paradip Port’s journey. As the port sets its sights on the future, its unwavering commitment to operational excellence, sustainability, and innovation promises to continue raising the bar in the maritime industry. The evening concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from Nilabhra Dasgupta, Deputy Chairman of PPA.
