Krishnapatnam port offers scrap import

May 25, 2018: Krishnapatnam Port Company Limited (KPCL) announced that it has obtained permission from the Central Government of India for import of scrap. The service will be facilitated with the installation of advanced Rapiscan system set up at the port enabling customs to inspect the scrap cargo without having to conduct an open examination.

With immense ease of operations, the Krishnapatnam Port Container Terminal (KPCT) container scanner will facilitate scanning of scrap trucks and containers trailers for factory destuffing while taking delivery without additional delays for handling. Further, since the direct port delivery (DPD) facility is not available for shredded scrap at any of the nearby ports, the new service in place at Krishnapatnam Port will offer the advantage of lower handling cost and improved throughput time, especially for those who undertake de-stuffing at the factory.

Commenting on the same, Anil Yendluri, director and CEO KPCL, said, “It’s an excellent service offering convenience and benefiting customers, customs and the port alike in terms of time, cost and efficiencies. It has been our priority to embrace the best practices and the right technologies offering the advantages of increased productivity. With improved TATs and enhanced efficiency, the service offers immense value and huge savings across the supply chain whilst providing a fool proof security system.”

Metal industries located in and around Andhra Pradesh, Telengana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra who are presently using port facilities farther away from their factories, and incurring higher transportation cost can avail immense value with the service.

Ashish Bansal, MD, Pondy Oxides and Chemicals Ltd ( POCL), an importer of metals having one of their plants near Renigunta mentioned that the installation of the modern container scanner at KPCT will assist importers in quicker and hassle-free clearance of imports and reduce lead times resulting in quicker cycle times.

KPCT is well connected with all the unshredded scrap supplying countries with good coverage of container shipping services. For scrap import from Middle East, Singapore, Port Kelang, China and Korea, direct shipping services to KPCT without any transshipment are available. For customers importing from US and Europe, there is good coverage via Colombo transhipment. Container shipping lines have welcomed the scrap import permission as it facilitates the availability of 20 containers at KPCT for loading exports, offering better connectivity to trade.

The port recently announced rise of record 88 percent in its container handling capacity and 25 prcent in total cargo handling for FY18. The port plans to become a key transshipment hub on the east coast of India.