KOLKATA
- Latitude: 22.5563 •
- Longitude: 88.305 •
- East Coast India •
- Port in India
Address: Kolkata West Bengal 700001 India
Phone number: +91 33 2230 3451
Web-site: https://www.kolkataporttrust.gov.in/
Kolkata Port: An Overview
Port Name: Kolkata Port (Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port)
Location: Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Coordinates: Latitude: 22.5391° N, Longitude: 88.3345° E
UN/LOCODE: INCCU
Type of Port: Riverine
Description
Kolkata Port, officially known as Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, is among the oldest operating ports in India. Named after the founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the port is strategically positioned on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River. Serving as one of the primary gateways for trade in Eastern India, it caters to the economic fervor of not just West Bengal but also the adjoining states and countries.
Components
Kolkata Dock System (KDS): Located in Kolkata, this system primarily handles bulk cargo, general cargo, containerized cargo, and project cargo through its numerous berths and dry docks.
Haldia Dock Complex (HDC): Located around 100 kilometers downstream from Kolkata, Haldia acts as a satellite port for the Kolkata Dock System. It focuses mainly on industrial cargo and petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL).
Facilities and Specifications
Cargo Handling:
- Commodities: Coal, iron ore, steel, fertilizers, containers, jute, textiles, and petroleum products.
- Annual Throughput: Capable of handling over 60 million metric tons of cargo per annum (both KDS and HDC combined).
Container Terminals:
- Multiple berths with container-handling capacity.
- Modern equipment like quay cranes, rubber-tired gantry cranes, reach stackers, and forklifts.
Storage and Warehousing:
- Ample warehousing facilities for various types of cargo, including refrigerated and bonded warehousing.
Draft and Berths:
- Draft at KDS varies between 6.1 meters to 8.5 meters depending on tidal conditions.
- Draft at HDC ranges from 8 meters to around 10 meters.
- Multiple berths to handle diverse cargo types.
Transport Connectivity:
- Well-connected by railways (Eastern Railway Zone).
- Road connectivity via National Highways (NH 16, NH 19).
- Inland waterway connectivity via the Ganges river system.
- Air transport via Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata.
Additional Features:
- Dry docks for ship repairing.
- Bunkering and ship-chandling services.
- Pilotage and towage services.
Navigational Aids:
- Systems like the Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) to ensure safe navigation.
- Modern radar and communication systems for efficient maritime operations.
Environmental Initiatives:
- Measures to minimize the port's carbon footprint.
- Systems for waste management and oil spill response.
Recent Developments
- Initiatives to improve efficiency through automation and digitalization.
- Expansion projects to increase cargo handling capacity.
- Green initiatives aimed at sustainable port operations.
Kolkata Port continues to be a critical maritime hub, fostering regional and national economic growth while also adapting to global maritime trends and challenges.