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According to open sources, the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) marked a historic milestone by handling a Newcastlemax Size Vessel carrying 199,900 metric tons (MT) of manganese ore, the largest cargo ever transported by a single vessel to any Indian port. This monumental event took place on Thursday, July 25, as the MV Huahine arrived from Gabon, Central Africa, at the Visakhapatnam port.
The Newcastlemax size vessel, with a length overall (LOA) of 300 meters and a beam width of 50 meters, arrived with an impressive draft of 18.46 meters. The MV Huahine, berthed at the Vizag General Cargo Berth operated by Vedanta, distributed its cargo as follows: 124,500 MT to Visakhapatnam, 16,000 MT for transshipment to Dhamra, and 59,400 MT for transshipment to Haldia.
In light of this significant event, VPA Chairperson Dr. M. Angamuthu, IAS, convened an apex level meeting with key stakeholders to discuss strategies aimed at enhancing cargo volumes and leveraging this achievement for future growth.
The cargo was shipped by M/S ERAMET S.A France, a leading exporter of high-grade manganese ore. ERAMET S.A is recognized as one of the largest producers of manganese ore globally, and they also possess Indonesia’s largest nickel ore mine and rank as the fourth-largest producer of titanium worldwide.
The arrival of the MV Huahine and its record-setting cargo marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Visakhapatnam Port. This achievement not only demonstrates the port’s capacity to handle large-scale shipments but also underscores its strategic importance in India’s maritime infrastructure. The successful handling of such a massive vessel sets a precedent for future operations, positioning Visakhapatnam Port as a pivotal player in global shipping and bulk cargo transshipment.
The Visakhapatnam Port Authority’s proactive engagement with stakeholders and commitment to enhancing its operational capabilities are expected to attract more significant shipments in the future, further solidifying its role as a crucial hub in the international maritime trade network.