Essar Bulk Terminal Paradip Ltd. has signed a licence agreement
with Paradip Port Trust for the mechanization of multi-user berth
for handling dry bulk cargo with a capacity of 16mtpa (million
metric tonnes per annum).
Mumbai, EBTPL is a part of Essar Shipping Ports and Logistics
Ltd. (ESPLL), an integrated logistics solution provider which has a
substantial investment in ports and terminals. EBTPL has signed a
licence agreement with Paradip Port Trust for the mechanization
of Central Quay – III berth with a capacity to handle 16mtpa of
dry bulk cargo at Paradip Port, Orissa on the East Coast of India.
EBPTL would handle both third party and captive cargo at the
berth. The licence is for a period of ten years, extendable by
another five years with mutual consent.
ESPLL is a comprehensive logistics services company with a
presence in sea transportation, ports and terminals, logistics and
oilfields services. This is the ESPLL’s second port project with
Paradip Port Trust for handling third-party cargo. Earlier, ESPLL
was awarded the project for development of 14mtpa deep
draught coal berth at Paradip Port on a BOT (buy, own, transfer)
basis for a concession period of 30 years with a project cost of
Rs 560 crore for handling third-party cargo.
The licence agreement was signed at Paradip by Saroj Misro,
traffic manager on behalf of Paradip Port Trust and H Sethi,
director, Essar Group, on behalf of Essar Bulk Terminal Paradip
Limited.
Speaking at the signing ceremony of this agreement,
K. K. Sinha, director of Essar Group said, “We are extremely
happy to partner with Paradip Port Trust yet again in enhancing
the cargo handling capability of the port. Paradip Port is
strategically located to fulfill the rapidly growing dry bulk cargo
requirements of the steel and power industries in the region.”
Rajiv Agarwal, executive director of ESPLL said “ESPLL is one
of India’s largest owners and operators of ports. In this project,
we would provide state-of-the-art equipment ensuring smooth
functioning of the terminal. This second project at the Paradip
Port underpins the confidence of Essar Group in development of
ports in this region. This also showcases our capabilities to
execute and handle large size projects.”
ESPLL currently has a shipping fleet of 25 vessels, with 12 new
ships on order. ESPLL would be investing more than US$0.6
billion to procure these vessels. ESPLL has been contracting
drilling services to global oil majors, with a fleet of 12 onshore
rigs and one semi-submersible offshore rig; two new jack-up rigs
on order. Essar Group has been vigorously pursuing its ports
business, and has all in-house capabilities for design, engineering,
construction and operations of ports and terminals.