Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) on Friday said it has handled three exceptionally heavy over-dimensional cargo (ODC) packages through specialised Ro-Ro operations. The three packages, weighing a total of 1,452 MT, were part of a coastal consignment transported by barge from Dahej, Gujarat, to Mumbai Port for onward export to Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, UAE, on Thursday, the port operator said.
The packages handled through the Roll-Off operation consisted of a PG Cooler weighing 718 MT, a Riser and Downcomer weighing 502 MT, and a Steam Drum weighing 232 MT. Owing to their exceptional dimensions and weight, the packages could not be discharged through conventional methods using ship’s gear or shore cranes, Mumbai Port said.
The cargo will be stored at Mumbai Port until an onward vessel is available for shipment to Abu Dhabi. This demonstrates Mumbai Port’s growing capability to facilitate complex heavy lift and project cargo movements and support the movement of Indian-manufactured industrial equipment to international markets, the port authority added.
A key advantage in undertaking the operation was the availability of a berth inside Mumbai Port’s lock gate. The tranquil water conditions within the lock gate provided the stability required to maintain alignment between the barge and the quay during the transfer of cargo of such exceptional weight and dimensions.
The movement brings together coastal shipping, specialised port handling, storage and international connectivity through Mumbai Port, illustrating how port infrastructure can support the movement of large industrial consignments from manufacturing locations in India to overseas destinations.
