JNPT commences trial operations at its newly built coastal berth

July 12, 2021: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) flagged a trial operation at the newly constructed coastal berth with the handling of ONGC offshore supply vessel (OSV) GREATSHIP DHRITI.

Sanjay Sethi, IAS, chairman, JNPT, and Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, deputy chairman, JNPT were present.

The coastal berth at JNPT is expected to handle about 2.5 million tonnes of coastal cargo like breakbulk, dry bulk etc. With a backup area of 11 hectares for cargo storage yard, setting up of silos is planned for storage of cement, enabling faster turnaround of vessels.

“To provide an impetus for coastal cargo movement, JNPT undertook the project of constructing a dedicated berth for coastal shipping under the Sagarmala’ programme of the ministry of ports, shipping, and waterways,” reads the release.

The construction of the coastal berth was completed in November 2020. This berth will provide better infrastructure for coastal shipping and decongest rail and road networks, ensuring cost-competitive and effective multi-modal transportation solutions.

JNPT chairman Sethi said, “The construction of the dedicated berth is in tune with the government’s policy to promote coastal shipping to shift freight from road to an environment-friendly and cost-effective mode of transport. The coastal berth will aid the smooth and faster coastal movement of cargo through a green channel. Apart from meeting the ministry's objectives, the coastal berth will help increase coastal shipping share in the domestic cargo movement and help the EXIM community.”