To offer huge cost advantage to importers from the state of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra
Mumbai, May 25, 2018: Krishnapatnam Port Company Limited (KPCL), the country’s largest all-weather; deep water port, on the east-coast of India, announced that it has obtained permission from the Central Government of India for import of scrap. The service will be facilitated with the installation of advanced Rapiscan system set up at the port enabling customs to inspect the scrap cargo without having to conduct an open examination.
With a drive-through container scanner at the port, KPCL now provides metal scrap importers with immense ease of operations. The KPCT container scanner will facilitate scanning of scrap trucks and containers trailers for factory destuffing while taking delivery without additional delays for handling.
Further, since the DPD (Direct port Delivery) facility is not available for shredded scrap at any of the nearby ports, the new service in place at Krishnapatnam Port will offer the advantage of lower handling cost and improved throughput time, especially for those who undertake de-stuffing at the factory.
On the occasion, Anil Yendluri, Director and CEO KPCL said “It’s an excellent service offering convenience and benefiting customers, customs and the port alike in terms of time, cost and efficiencies. It has been our priority to embrace the best practices and the right technologies offering the advantages of increased productivity. With improved TATs and enhanced efficiency the service offers immense value and huge savings across the supply chain whilst providing a fool proof security system.”
Metal industries located in and around Andhra Pradesh, Telengana Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra who are presently using port facilities farther away from their factories, and incurring higher transportation cost can avail immense value with the service.
Ashish Bansal, Managing Director, Pondy Oxides and Chemicals Ltd ( POCL), a leading importer of metals having one of their plants near Renigunta mentioned that “installation of the modern container scanner at KPCT will assist importers in quicker and hassle-free clearance of imports and reduce lead times resulting in quicker cycle times.”
Deepak Bhatia, Managing Director, DRA Industries, one of the largest scrap importers welcomed the new development said “It gives me immense pleasure to hear that KPCT would be clearing all types of steel scrap. Now our clearing cost would much cheaper and the operations would be much faster and hassle- free. It’s important to note that now there is a port authority who not only is hearing your problems (if any) but solving also in express manner”
In addition, the road route from KPCT to the steel manufacturing hubs is congestion free and faster compared to the roads of other ports which will expedite delivery of consignments to importers.
KPCT is well connected with all the unshredded scrap supplying countries with good coverage of container shipping services. For scrap import from Middle East, Singapore, Port Kelang, China and Korea, direct shipping services to KPCT without any transhipment are available. For customers importing from USA and Europe, there is good coverage via Colombo transhipment. Container shipping lines have welcomed the scrap import permission as it facilitates the availability of 20’ containers at KPCT for loading exports, offering better connectivity to trade.
The port recently announced rise of record 88% in its container handling capacity and 25% in total cargo handling for FY18. The port plans to become a key transshipment hub on the east coast of India.