Vizag General Cargo Berth Private Limited (VGCB), a key port terminal in Visakhapatnam and part of Vedanta Aluminium, has set a new milestone in India’s maritime industry with the successful berthing of MV Captain Leonidas. This vessel, carrying 199,500 metric tonnes of bauxite, is one of the largest ships to dock in India, signaling a major leap in VGCB’s cargo handling capabilities. The docking not only enhances the operational efficiency of the port but also reinforces Visakhapatnam’s position as a significant player in the global bauxite trade.
VGCB has a history of handling large-scale cargo shipments, with last year’s record-breaking arrival of MV Huahine, which brought in 199,900 MT of manganese ore – the largest single cargo shipment to any Indian port. With continuous investments in cutting-edge technologies and efficient operations, VGCB is poised to elevate Visakhapatnam’s status as a major international transshipment hub.
The arrival of MV Captain Leonidas, which boasts a beam of 50 meters, a draft of 17.9 meters, and a deadweight tonnage of 203,095 MT, underscores VGCB’s capacity to handle large vessels swiftly and effectively. The efficient offloading of this massive cargo in just five days highlights the port’s operational excellence and its ability to meet global standards. This achievement strengthens VGCB’s reputation as a modern terminal, improving productivity and reducing operational costs for shipping lines, while further expanding infrastructure capacity.
Chikkala Sateesh Kumar, CEO and Whole Time Director of VGCB, Vedanta Limited, expressed immense pride in the achievement, stating, “Successfully unloading such a vast cargo in just five days is a testament to our commitment to operational excellence and our strategic vision for making Vizag a global transshipment leader. This milestone reflects our continued contribution to India’s maritime sector.”
VGCB, a subsidiary of Vedanta Limited, was awarded the General Cargo Berth (GCB) at the outer harbor of Visakhapatnam port in 2010 to mechanize coal handling facilities and enhance multi-cargo handling operations. The project, which includes the extension of the berth to accommodate 200,000 DWT capacity vessels, is also a step toward reducing coal dust pollution. The initiative is led by a consortium spearheaded by Vedanta Limited, demonstrating VGCB’s pivotal role in the region’s growth and environmental sustainability.
As the largest producer of aluminium in India, Vedanta Aluminium, a business unit of Vedanta Limited, manufactures more than half of the country’s aluminium output, with 2.37 million tonnes produced in FY24. Known for its leadership in value-added aluminium products, the company serves industries with critical applications. Vedanta Aluminium is ranked 2nd in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 for the aluminium industry, reflecting its commitment to sustainable development practices. The company’s world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refineries, and power plants support its mission of positioning aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.
