MV Mineral Kwangyang Successfully Berthed with 16.5-Metre Draft, Marking a Major Leap in Deep-Draft Vessel Handling Capability
PARADIP: Paradip Port Authority (PPA) has achieved a significant milestone in its operational journey with the successful berthing of its first-ever Capesize vessel at Western Dock-1, marking a major advancement in the port’s deep-draft vessel handling capabilities.
The Capesize vessel, MV Mineral Kwangyang, successfully berthed at Western Dock-1 carrying 152,702 metric tonnes of coking coal. The vessel measures 292 metres in length and 45 metres in breadth, with an impressive draft of 16.50 metres. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal hailed the achievement as a landmark moment for Paradip Port and India’s maritime infrastructure.
The historic berthing represents a major step forward for Paradip Port in strengthening its capability to accommodate large, deep-draft vessels and handle substantial cargo volumes more efficiently. The achievement is expected to contribute towards enhanced logistics efficiency, faster cargo evacuation and improved economies of scale for maritime trade.
He said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s ports are being continuously upgraded with modern infrastructure and enhanced deep-draft capabilities to facilitate seamless logistics, accelerate trade and strengthen regional economic growth.
The successful handling of a Capesize vessel at Western Dock-1 reflects Paradip Port’s growing operational capabilities and its continued focus on infrastructure modernisation. The development will further strengthen the port’s role as a key gateway for bulk cargo trade and industrial growth in eastern India.
The ability to accommodate larger vessels offers significant advantages to cargo stakeholders by enabling the movement of higher cargo volumes in a single call, potentially improving vessel turnaround, reducing transportation costs and enhancing overall supply chain efficiency.
On the landmark achievement, Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, Paradip Port Authority, congratulated Team PPA and Team JPPL for their coordinated efforts and successful execution of this challenging operation.
The successful berthing of MV Mineral Kwangyang is a testament to the port’s operational preparedness, infrastructure capability and the collective commitment of all stakeholders involved in ensuring safe and efficient vessel operations.
As Paradip Port continues to expand and modernise its infrastructure, this milestone reinforces its position as one of India’s leading major ports and highlights its growing capability to handle the next generation of large vessels, supporting India’s expanding trade ambitions and maritime growth.
Key Highlights:
Historic First: First-ever Capesize vessel berthed at Western Dock-1
Vessel: MV Mineral Kwangyang
Length: 292 metres
Breadth: 45 metres
Draft: 16.50 metres
Cargo: 152,702 MT of Coking Coal
Milestone: Major advancement in Paradip Port’s deep-draft vessel handling capability
A historic berth. A deeper capability. A stronger gateway for India’s maritime trade.
