VPT handles fully laden Panamax vessel

VISAKHAPATNAM: The VPT on Monday handled its first ever gearless Panamax vessel MV Navios Centaurus carrying 74,1000 MT petroleum coke for Andhra Cements and Ambuja Cements. The vessel, with a length of 229 metres and draft of 14 metres, was berthed in the inner harbour at EQ-8 of Vizag Seaport Private Limited. Terming the berthing of the fully laden Panamax vessel in the inner harbour as a milestone, VPT chairman MT Krishna Babu said users will benefit immensely by way of substantial freight savings on account of reduced waiting time and improved turnaround time.With VPT taking up dredging work from May 2013 at a cost of Rs 250 crore, the depth of the inner harbour is now around 16 metres, enabling it to handle fully laden Panamax vessels. tnn