Deendayal Port unveils new Oil jetty and launches CSR initiatives

In a significant move to boost capacity and enhance community welfare, T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), visited Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Gujarat to review ongoing projects and inaugurate key initiatives.

Among the highlights was the inspection of the new Oil Jetty No. 8 at Old Kandla, a critical infrastructure project aimed at increasing the port’s capacity to handle petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The jetty, developed at a revised cost of ₹225.85 crore, is designed to accommodate large vessels with a deadweight tonnage (DWT) between 80,000 and 100,000.

This expansion is vital as the existing oil jetties near full utilization. The pipeline installation for LPG, expected to be completed by mid-2026, will further enhance the port’s capabilities. Additionally, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) plans to start bunkering operations, handling 0.5 MMTPA of fuel by the end of August 2024.

On the welfare front, the Secretary inaugurated a Labour Amenity Centre at the Cargo Jetty Area, established under the CSR initiative to improve working conditions for laborers at the port. Furthermore, five buses/vans were introduced to enhance mobility and accessibility for differently-abled and underprivileged communities, funded through the port’s CSR efforts.

These vehicles will support organizations dedicated to the welfare of Divyangjans, ensuring that essential services reach those in need.
T.K. Ramachandran emphasized the ministry’s dual focus on infrastructure development and community welfare, stating that the MoPSW is committed to fostering both the port’s growth and the well-being of the communities it serves.

The visit also included discussions on future projects aimed at boosting trade, improving logistics, and aligning with the ministry’s broader vision for sustainable maritime development.