Shallow draught at ports is partly responsible for the high cost of coal imports, the fuel for major power projects in the country, according to a top industrialist, Exim News Service informs.
Because of the shallow draught, large vessels cannot berth. Increased draughts would allow large cargo vessels to enter the port, thereby reducing the cost, the Dubai-based Coal & Oil Company President and CEO, Mr A.R. Buhari, said here.
The company, which is the second largest importer of coal, is actively in operation at 10 ports in the country, including Chennai, Haldia, Vizag, Cochin and New Mangalore.
Coal demand in India is likely to touch 50 million tonnes in 3-5 years, Mr Buhari said. Yet, the draught at the ports remains the most challenging issue for the logistics sector, he stressed.