In India, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval for the mechanization of three dry bulk berths at East Quay, in the port of Paradip. The work will be undertaken as a public–private partnership. The berths will handle exported thermal coal.

Work will cost $222 million, of which the port developer will be responsible for $218 million, with Paradip Port Trust finding the balance to fund dredging.

Upgrading work, which will affect berths EQ1, 2 and 3, will boost capacity from 7.85mt (million tonnes) to 30mt.

BC