The port authority at Gangaravam predicts that the percentage of coal traffic will decline in the longer term as it targets alternative commodities. Currently, coal accounts for 70% of total traffic, reaching 10mt (million tonnes) in 2010/11. By 2013/14, when overall capacity at the port will reach 45mt, coal’s share will be less than 50%, or around 20mt. However, during this period the number of coal berths will increase from one to two, and the number of multipurpose berths from three to six.
Alternative commodities being targeted include alumina and bauxite, which the Vedanta Group is expected to need for its smelters in Orissa, as environmental legislation make it harder to source this locally. Imported fertilizer is also on the shopping list even though this is not a highly remunerative business. Additional imported limestone and exported slag also have potential.
BC