Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK) has issued a Letter of Intent (LoI) to M/s Bothra Shipping Services Pvt. Ltd. for the project “Mechanisation of Berth No. 5 (erstwhile Berth No. 4B)” at Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) of SMPK on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate & Transfer (DBFOT) basis.
The issuance of the LoI marks the commencement of the project, which aims to streamline dry bulk cargo handling at the port, further reinforcing HDC’s position as a critical gateway for maritime trade.
The project involves the development and mechanisation of Berth No. 5, with a robust and modern system that will include the installation of rail-mounted Mobile Harbour Cranes with a capacity of 1000 TPH, conveyor systems of 2000 TPH, stacker-cum-reclaimer units of 2000 TPH, and a mechanised Silo-based rapid wagon loading system with a rated capacity of 2000 TPH. The facility will also feature a comprehensive rail and road evacuation system, along with supporting infrastructure such as a backup area covering approximately 44 acres. The total project cost amounts to ₹365.88 Cr with an expenditure of ₹343.58 Cr. The construction phase is expected to span 30 months, followed by a concession period of 30 years.
Once operational, the berth will boast a cargo handling capacity of 5 MMTPA, facilitating the handling of diverse dry bulk cargoes, including coal and limestone. Congratulating the team at HDC, the Chairperson, Rathendra Raman, said, “The project’s completion will significantly boost the port’s dry bulk handling capacity, meeting the rising demand for efficient cargo operations at Haldia Dock Complex. This mechanisation initiative, paired with enhanced infrastructure, is expected to bring long-term benefits to SMPK and its stakeholders by streamlining cargo operations and increasing throughput efficiency.”
Raman further added, “I would like to thank our stakeholders, the consortium of M/s Bothra Shipping Services Pvt. Ltd. and M/s Ripley & Co. Stevedoring & Handling Pvt. Ltd., M/s JSW Infrastructure Ltd., and M/s Orissa Steavedores Ltd., who have given importance in expanding the capacity of SMPK and meeting the evolving needs of global trade.
The mechanisation of Berth No. 5 is set to become a landmark development, further strengthening Haldia Dock Complex’s position as a premier dry bulk cargo handling hub in India.
