Kolkata Port, now known as Syama Prasad Mookherjee Port, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully carrying out lighterage activity on two capesize vessels simultaneously at Sagar Islands. This achievement highlights the port’s continuous efforts to enhance its transloading capabilities and accommodate larger vessels.
Situated approximately 107 kilometers south of Kolkata, Sagar Island is a strategic location where the River Hooghly meets the Bay of Bengal. The berthing of two capesize vessels, namely MV Scarlet and MV Golden Zonhshou, measuring 291.8 meters in length each, showcases the port’s increasing capacity and ability to handle larger ships.
The combined cargo of both vessels amounted to approximately one lakh tonne of coking and steam coal, intended for SAIL and Adani group. Port officials emphasized that this was the first time the lighterage activity was conducted simultaneously from two vessels, underscoring the port’s commitment to efficiency and productivity. Lighterage, the process of transferring cargo from one vessel to another, plays a crucial role in optimizing logistics operations.
In the fiscal year 2022-2023, SMP Kolkata engaged in 21 vessel operations involving ship-to-ship transfers, totaling a tonnage of 5,44,945. Additionally, they successfully completed 76 lighterage operations, amounting to 33,50,399 tonnes. These impressive figures demonstrate the port’s robust operational capabilities and its role as a vital hub for trade and commerce.
Furthermore, in the same financial year, Sagar Island Port achieved a remarkable milestone by handling a record-breaking 65.66 million tonnes of cargo, registering a growth rate of 12.87 percent compared to the previous year. This achievement reflects the port’s consistent efforts to expand its operations and meet the growing demands of the industry.
SMP Kolkata has also made noteworthy progress in accommodating larger vessels, which has the potential to reduce logistics costs associated with shipping. Additionally, the port is planning to introduce night navigation shortly. This initiative will enable increased ship movement during nighttime, taking advantage of tidal benefits and further optimizing operations.
The successful lighterage activity on two capesize vessels at Sagar Islands highlights the Syama Prasad Mookherjee Port’s continuous efforts to enhance its capabilities, accommodate larger vessels, and streamline logistics operations. With its ongoing expansion and modernization initiatives, the port is poised to further strengthen its position as a key maritime gateway in the region, facilitating trade and economic growth.