Paradip Port Authority (PPA) achieved a major operational milestone on September 6, 2026, by successfully berthing its first Capesize vessel with a draft of 16.5 metres at Western Dock-1. The achievement demonstrates the port’s increasing ability to accommodate large, deep-draft vessels and strengthens Paradip’s importance in India’s maritime sector.
The vessel, MV Mineral Kwangyang, measures 292 metres in length and 45 metres in breadth. It arrived at Paradip on September 5 and was successfully berthed at Western Dock-1 the following morning. The vessel was carrying 152,702 metric tonnes of coking coal from Hay Point, Australia.
Handling such a large vessel at Western Dock-1 reflects improvements in Paradip Port’s deep-draft capabilities. According to the Port Authority, accommodating larger-capacity bulk carriers can help improve logistics efficiency and reduce vessel turnaround times for major industrial users.
Paradip Port Authority Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit congratulated the PPA and Jindal Paradip Port Ltd. teams involved in the operation. The achievement comes as Paradip Port continues investing in infrastructure and operational capacity to meet the growing requirements of India’s maritime and industrial sectors.