The Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) has proudly announced a record-breaking performance in May 2024, marking a historic achievement in its 90-year history. This remarkable feat is a testament to the collaborative efforts of VPA and its trading partners.
Visakhapatnam Port is one of twelve major working ports in India and the only major port of Andhra Pradesh. By volume of cargo handled, it is India's third-largest state-owned port and the largest on the Eastern Coast.
VPA achieved its highest cargo handling volume in May, managing 85,81,927 tonnes of cargo across 221 vessels. This impressive figure surpasses the previous record of 76,22,732 tonnes from 201 vessels in March 2024. A key contributor to this milestone was the discharge of coal and coke in bulk, which reached 22,35,981 tonnes from 48 vessels, breaking the July 2022 record of 21,39,771 tonnes.
Crude oil handling also saw a new high, with VPA managing 14,27,223 tonnes from 13 crude tankers, slightly edging past the previous 14,24,787 tonnes. The port's container throughput also set a new benchmark, achieving 70,539 TEUs from 53 vessels, surpassing the August 2023 record of 67,636 TEUs.
Further demonstrating its operational prowess, VPA discharged 5,04,815 tonnes of bauxite in bulk from 3 vessels, exceeding the March 2024 record of 2,64,630 tonnes. Manganese ore handling reached 4,37,270 tonnes from 17 vessels, surpassing the July 2023 record of 3,66,752 tonnes. Additionally, the port set a record for limestone discharge, managing 3,08,213 tonnes from 5 vessels, which broke the May 2022 record of 2,13,170 tonnes earlier in the month.
In terms of rail operations, VPA achieved its highest volume of train interchanges, handling 1,405 rakes, surpassing the previous record of 1,300 rakes set in January 2024. This comprehensive performance underscores VPA's unwavering commitment to excellence and efficiency, instilling confidence in its stakeholders and solidifying its status as a leading port in the region.
The unprecedented achievements in May 2024 highlight the port's continuous improvement and robust operational capabilities and set new standards for the industry, inspiring and exciting all stakeholders.
Dr Madhaiyaan Angamuthu, IAS, Chairperson of VPA, said, "These accomplishments mark a significant milestone for us, and we are excited for the path ahead. We aim to continue setting new benchmarks in the maritime industry."
