Essar Ports Limited has secured a letter of award (LoA) from Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) to develop a multipurpose cargo terminal at Tuna Tekra in Gujarat.
According to Essar, the proposed terminal will have an annual handling capacity of 18.33m tons, with four 300m berths providing a combined 1,200m of waterfront. Also, the new terminal will be developed and operated in accordance with applicable environmental requirements and the Green Port Policy.
The facilities are designed to accommodate capesize bulk carriers of up to 170,000 dwt, with a maximum draft of 18m.
As part of the project, Essar will invest more than $164 million, while DPA will contribute $76 million towards common infrastructure. The Port Authority’s works will include dredging of the access channel, berth pockets and turning circles, together with a common approach road.
Commercial operations are expected to begin by 2031, Essar said.
The terminal is set to be built immediately east of the new container terminal being developed by DP World at Tuna Tekra.