The Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) announced a historic achievement in May 2024, marking a milestone in its 90-year history with record-breaking cargo handling and operational efficiency. Collaborative efforts with trading partners facilitated this success, reflecting VPA’s commitment to excellence. VPA handled an unprecedented 8,581,927 metric tonnes of cargo across 221 vessels, surpassing the previous record of 7,622,732 metric tonnes from 201 vessels in March 2024. The port discharged 2,235,891 metric tonnes of coal and coke in bulk from 48 vessels, breaking the July 2022 record of 2,139,777 metric tonnes. Additionally, VPA managed 1,427,223 metric tonnes of crude oil from 13 crude tankers, exceeding the March 2024 record of 1,424,787 metric tonnes.
Throughput in container TEUs reached 70,539 from 53 vessels, surpassing the August 2023 record of 67,636 TEUs. Bauxite in bulk also saw a significant increase, with 504,815 metric tonnes discharged from 3 vessels, outstripping the March 2024 record of 264,630 metric tonnes. Manganese ore handling reached 437,270 metric tonnes from 17 vessels, beating the July 2023 record of 366,752 metric tonnes. The port discharged 308,213 metric tonnes of limestone from 5 vessels, breaking the May 2022 record of 213,170 metric tonnes. VPA also achieved a record in the interchange of trains, managing 1,405 rakes and surpassing January 2024’s 1,300 rakes.
Dr. Madhaiyaan Angamuthu, IAS, Chairperson of VPA, expressed pride in the team’s efforts. “These accomplishments reflect our commitment to excellence and operational efficiency. We aim to continue setting new benchmarks in the maritime industry,” he stated. These achievements underscore VPA’s strategic importance in India’s maritime sector and its continuous drive for operational advancements. As the port celebrates its 90th year, these records highlight its pivotal role in global trade and logistics.
