Haldia Dock Complex Resumes Coastal Thermal Coal Handling After Nine Months, Boosts Cargo Operations

Haldia Dock Complex Resumes Coastal Thermal Coal Handling with the successful revival of its mechanised thermal coal handling system at Berth No. 3, marking a major milestone after nearly nine months of inactivity. The restart is expected to significantly strengthen cargo movement, improve coastal shipping efficiency, and reinforce the role of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, as one of India's leading maritime logistics hubs.

The first coastal thermal coal consignment after the revival is currently being handled at Berth No. 3, where a vessel is loading nearly 27,100 metric tonnes (MT) of thermal coal for Andhra Pradesh Power Development Company Limited (APPDCL). After leaving Haldia, the vessel will make a scheduled stop at Paradip Port before delivering the cargo to Krishnapatnam Port in Andhra Pradesh.
The resumption of mechanised coal handling is expected to improve operational efficiency while supporting India's growing energy sector through faster and more reliable coastal transportation.

The revival of the mechanised thermal coal handling facility at Berth No. 3 represents an important operational achievement for the Haldia Dock Complex. The facility had remained inactive for approximately nine months before being successfully recommissioned.

With operations now restored, HDC has resumed loading coastal thermal coal using its mechanised infrastructure, enabling quicker cargo handling and reducing turnaround time for vessels.

The first shipment comprises around 27,100 MT of thermal coal destined for Andhra Pradesh Power Development Company Limited. The vessel's voyage includes a transit call at Paradip Port before reaching its final destination at Krishnapatnam Port.
Port officials believe the restored facility will significantly improve the movement of thermal coal along India's eastern coastline while ensuring uninterrupted fuel supplies for power generation.

The restart of coastal thermal coal operations is expected to provide a substantial boost to India's coastal shipping network.
Mechanised cargo handling allows ports to process larger cargo volumes more efficiently while lowering operational costs and reducing vessel waiting times. The development is also expected to increase cargo throughput at Haldia Dock Complex, strengthening its contribution to the country's maritime trade.