Politics · India Bureau
AM/NS India wins 30-year captive berth concession at Paradip Port
Paradip Port Authority has granted a three-decade concession to AM/NS India's logistics subsidiary to operate a mechanised berth for dry bulk cargo handling. The move aligns with India's push to boost coastal shipping as an efficient, cost-effective transport alternative.
LSN India ·
The Paradip Port Authority has formally awarded a 30-year concession to AMNS Paradip Logistics Pvt Ltd (APLPL), a special purpose vehicle of steelmaker AM/NS India, to develop and operate a captive berth at the eastern Indian port. The concession covers mechanisation of the CQ-III berth dedicated to handling dry bulk cargo on an exclusive basis.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal handed over the award of concession on August 21, marking a significant expansion of AM/NS India's port infrastructure capabilities. The long-term arrangement is expected to streamline cargo operations, improve the company's logistical efficiency, and strengthen its environmental stewardship commitments.
A key feature of the concession is the integration of a fully-mechanised conveyor system that will directly link AM/NS India's iron ore pellet manufacturing complex to the dedicated berth, enabling direct shipment of pellets through coastal routes. This infrastructure will facilitate the transportation of iron ore pellets and other dry bulk commodities to domestic and international markets.
The concession award reflects the central government's strategic focus on promoting coastal shipping as a fuel-efficient, economical, and environmentally sustainable transport mode. Indian port authorities have increasingly granted long-term concessions to major industrial consumers seeking to optimise supply chains while reducing logistics costs and carbon footprints.