Odisha, with its expansive coastline along the Bay of Bengal, is poised to become a pivotal maritime hub in India. Among the emerging ports, Astaranga Port in Puri district stands out as a significant development aimed at bolstering the state's industrial and economic landscape.

Overview of Astaranga Port

Astaranga Port is being developed as an all-weather, multi-user greenfield port through a public-private partnership between the Government of Odisha and Navayuga Engineering Company Limited (NECL). The project is being implemented in phases, with the initial phase (Phase IA) designed to handle 17.7 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of cargo, focusing on bulk commodities such as coal, iron ore, and breakbulk cargo .

Strategic Significance

1. Enhanced Cargo Handling Capacity

The port's development is expected to significantly increase Odisha's cargo handling capacity, contributing to the state's goal of handling one-third of India's total cargo by 2036. This aligns with the Maritime India Vision-2030 and the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan .

2. Economic and Industrial Growth

By facilitating efficient transportation of essential bulk commodities, Astaranga Port is set to support various industries in Odisha and neighboring states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. This will bolster industrial growth and create employment opportunities in the region .

3. Infrastructure Development

The port's development includes the construction of necessary marine and shore-based infrastructure, such as berths and cargo handling facilities, to support its operational capacity. This infrastructure will be crucial in ensuring the port's efficiency and competitiveness in handling bulk cargo .

Role of Solanki Ship Care

As a maritime service provider, Solanki Ship Care can play a vital role in the operational success of Astaranga Port by offering:

• Ship Maintenance and Repair Services: Ensuring that vessels operating in and out of the port are maintained to the highest standards.

• Port Operations Support: Providing expertise in cargo handling and logistics to enhance port efficiency.

• Safety and Compliance Services: Assisting in maintaining safety protocols and regulatory compliance, crucial for port operations.

Conclusion

Astaranga Port is set to be a cornerstone in Odisha's maritime infrastructure, enhancing the state's role in national and international trade. With its strategic location, planned capacity, and focus on bulk cargo handling, the port is poised to drive economic growth and industrial development in the region. Stakeholders like Solanki Ship Care have a significant opportunity to contribute to and benefit from this transformative project.