The Concession Agreement for the automation of Berth No. 2 at Haldia Port has been signed by HDC Bulk Terminal Ltd (HBTL), a fully owned subsidiary of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ), India’s biggest integrated transport utility and a member of the Adani Group. This follows SMPK’s decision to designate APSEZ as the winning bidder earlier in February.
According to Mr. Karan Adani, CEO and Whole-Time Director of APSEZ, “the mechanisation and upgrading of Haldia Bulk Terminal affords us the chance to firmly establish APSEZ’s imprint in Bengal.” “We are still devoted to advancing Bengal’s economy and industry, which are both constantly expanding. With this completely automated facility, we hope to raise the bar for environmental and port operations.
Along with our current top-tier ports and terminals on India’s east coast, this terminal will strengthen APSEZ’s services and the client experience. The efficiency of HBTL will be greatly increased, and the shipping sector will profit from our expertise in integrated logistics.
According to the Concession Agreement signed by SMPK and HBTL, the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) established to carry out the project will be granted the right to plan, finance, construct, operate, maintain, and manage the bulk terminal with an annual capacity of 3.74 million tonnes at the Haldia Dock Complex in Haldia for a concession period of 30 years.
At Haldia, under the control of SMPK, the Haldia Dock Complex houses several bulk handling facilities. The Haldia Dock Complex serves a sizable hinterland that includes the landlocked neighbouring nation of Nepal as well as the states of Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Assam, and the Northeastern Hill States. This port will manage the supply route for raw materials to the hinterland’s steel, electricity, and cement facilities.
The potential to deliver bulk freight handling services that are fully automated, extremely effective, environmentally friendly, and pollution-free is the project’s key USP. The project will increase effective port capacity while also lowering turnaround times for boats calling at Haldia Dock, which will lower logistical costs for port customers.
According to the Concession Agreement that was signed, HBTL will complete the project’s financial close within six months and then start building the terminal. The project is expected to cost Rs 298 Crore. The required environmental clearance has already been granted for the project.
