Dhamra Port Creates Twin National Records in Coking Coal Cargo Handling

The port established a new national record by handling 1,32,365 MT of coking coal within 24 hours, surpassing the previous Indian benchmark of 1,27,867 MT. In a second milestone, the entire cargo parcel of 1.65 lakh MT was discharged in just 38 hours, setting a new national benchmark for vessel turnaround time and operational efficiency in coking coal handling.         The achievement is particularly significant because coking coal is a non-free-flowing cargo, making its handling more complex than thermal or steam coal. The shipment comprised two distinct grades of coking coal—Goonyella and Pulverized Coal Injection (PCI) coal—which required meticulous grade-wise segregation, careful yard planning, and seamless coordination to prevent contamination while maintaining high discharge productivity. The record-breaking operation was executed at Berth-2, where Dhamra Port’s operations team coordinated vessel planning, berth management, cargo evacuation, and stockyard logistics with exceptional precision. The accomplishment highlights the port’s ability to efficiently handle large Cape-size vessels while maintaining rapid cargo evacuation and strict quality controls.   Industry observers noted that the twin records underscore the growing capability of Indian ports to handle large-volume dry bulk cargoes at globally competitive productivity levels. The achievement also reflects Dhamra Port’s continued investments in mechanised cargo handling systems, deep-draft infrastructure, and integrated logistics, enabling faster turnaround times for vessels serving India’s steel and industrial sectors. The milestone further strengthens Dhamra Port’s reputation as a preferred gateway for bulk cargo imports, particularly coking coal, a critical raw material for steel production. By combining world-class infrastructure with operational excellence, the port continues to enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce vessel waiting time, and support the growing demand of India’s steel industry.          With these twin national records, Dhamra Port has reinforced its leadership in bulk cargo handling, demonstrating how precision planning, advanced mechanisation, and coordinated port operations can deliver benchmark performance in India’s maritime sector.