Photo by Setu Chhaya on Unsplash

CHENNAI: TANGEDCO (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation) is expected to transport 70,000 tonnes of coal from the recently awarded Dhamra port in Odisha by the end of June. According to a senior official, TANGEDCO currently procures coal for its thermal power stations in Tamil Nadu from the Talcher and IB valley mines of Mahanadi Coalfields in Odisha through a fuel supply agreement.

The coal is typically transported by train from Talcher to Paradip Port and then to Tamil Nadu. However, due to congestion on the railway route between Talcher and Paradip Port, TANGEDCO receives only 11 rakes (train shipments) per day instead of the allocated 14 rakes. In order to overcome this issue, TANGEDCO has been exploring the possibility of using alternative ports.

Dhamra and Gopalpur ports have been identified as potential options. Gopalpur Port has three berths with a daily coal handling capacity of approximately 18,000 to 20,000 tonnes, while Dhamra Port has three berths with a handling capacity of around 35,000 tonnes per day. The loading process at Dhamra port is deemed easier. Considering the economic feasibility, TANGEDCO awarded the contract to Dhamra Port on April 28, and the agreement was finalized by May 15. Since June 1, TANGEDCO has commenced loading coal at Dhamra port.

Currently, there are 22,000 tonnes of coal stored at Dhamra port, and once it reaches 70,000 tonnes, it will be shipped and delivered to Ennore port. The official stated that the first shipment is expected to be delivered by the end of June.

TANGEDCO operates 11 ships on a rental basis, including 2 Panamax and Supramax cargo vessels. These ships transport coal from Paradip Port, JSW Jetty, Gangavaram Port, and the newly acquired Dhamra Port to Karaikkal, Ennore, and Thoothukudi. The power utility procures a total of 195.63 lakh (19.563 million) tonnes of coal annually from Mahanadi Coalfields.