Angré Port handled 22,000 MT sugar exports in April amid labour crunch

May 28, 2020: Angré Port, the all-weather port in the Konkan region, has handled 22,000 MT of sugar exports in April 2020 even as the industry has been facing labour crunch due to the reverse migration. The port has handled a total of 1,50,000 MT of sugar exports in FY20 and is lined up to manage 60,000 MT of sugar exports in the immediate future.

Additionally, for the first time since its inception, Angré Port simultaneously loaded two separate mother vessels with sugar.

“Angré Port has been in close contact with local authorities, Customs, Maharashtra Maritime Board, among other authorities to align the port's operations with government directives and measures. This has ensured timely movement of cargo from the port to various destinations across the globe. Through robust port safety measures, state-of-the-art cargo equipment, and reliable warehousing facilities, Angré Port has been able to come to the aid of the sugar consignments seeking a safe port for exports, helping them with a sense of urgency to achieve export volumes as the window is quickly closing because of approaching monsoons,” says the release.

Labour shortage and COVID-19 restrictions caused ports in Mumbai and Kandla face serious issues, especially during this peak sugar season. Despite having enough cargo and business, ports are struggling to cope with the requests of traders.

C P Jayakrishnan, president, business development and operations, Angré Port said, “Angré Port has managed to remain consistent in ensuring seamless cargo handling operations for its customers. We are one of the only ports along the west coast that has enabled continuity of the global supply chain even during the pandemic. We are pleased that the local sugar mills in Maharashtra and other states have placed their trust in our cargo handling capabilities. We will continue to serve the farmers of our nation by ensuring that their products from sugarcane reach the world, and they get rewarded for their hard work, even during these challenging times. We have lined up 60,000 MT of sugar exports in the immediate future.”

Angré Port is equipped to provide excellent marine, cargo, storage facilities, and several important in-house services to enable clients to enjoy single window, end-to-end service from the port till their factories. At present, it is handling two mother vessels, one breakbulk and another bulk, simultaneously at the port.

Since the start of the operations in the year 2019, Angré Port has been supporting the local businesses in and around Ratnagiri, especially the sugar mills. The port is well-connected by road and rail to the textile, sugar, chemical and cement manufacturing industries in Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, Vidarbha, Mumbai, Pune, Goa, and North Karnataka within a radius of 500 km from the port.