Discharges 1.32 lakh MT in 24 hours and 1.65 lakh MT in just 38 hours, setting new benchmarks for India's maritime sector

 

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

DHAMRA, JUNE 30, 2026

Dhamra Port has etched its name in India's maritime history by setting two national records in dry bulk cargo handling, reaffirming its position as one of the country's most efficient and technologically advanced ports.

On June 30, the port achieved a record-breaking discharge of 1,32,365 metric tonnes (MT) of dry bulk cargo within just 24 hours, the highest ever recorded in India. The feat was accomplished while unloading the Cape-size vessel MV ASL OTSL2, which arrived from Queensland, Australia, carrying 1,65,283 MT of coking coal for Tata Steel.

The achievement marks two historic national milestones during a single vessel call. The first was the highest-ever 24-hour dry bulk cargo discharge, surpassing the previous national record of 1,27,867 MT, set during the handling of steam coal by MV Patragas. The second was the fastest discharge of a multi-grade coking coal cargo, with the vessel's entire load of 1.65 lakh MT being unloaded in an unprecedented 38 hours.

The accomplishment is particularly significant considering the operational complexities involved. Unlike steam coal, coking coal is a non-free-flowing commodity, making mechanical extraction considerably more challenging. Adding to the complexity, the vessel carried two distinct grades of coking coal — Goonyella and PCI — which required precise segregation, meticulous yard planning and flawless execution to prevent cross-contamination while maintaining record-breaking unloading speeds.

The milestone reflects Dhamra Port's superior operational capabilities, world-class mechanised infrastructure and unwavering commitment to operational excellence.

Congratulating the port team on the remarkable achievement, Devendra Thakar, CEO of Dhamra Port, expressed gratitude to various State and Central Government departments for their continued support and guidance, which played a crucial role in enabling the port to reach this landmark.

The twin records further strengthen Dhamra Port's stature as the preferred maritime gateway on India's east coast. Equipped with deep-draft berths and state-of-the-art cargo handling infrastructure, the port continues to expand its capabilities and remains firmly on course to achieve an ambitious cargo handling capacity of 100 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2030.