THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
DHAMRA,
MARCH 27, 2026
In a significant step towards strengthening
integrated supply chain capabilities, Tata Group has explored a strategic
logistics partnership with Dhamra Port Company Limited by docking its
first-ever Cape Size iron ore vessel, MV ENNA, at the deep draft port on
India’s east coast. The landmark development signals a new phase of
collaboration between the port and Tata Steel, reinforcing long-term alignment
in infrastructure readiness and bulk cargo handling capacity.
Senior leadership
from Tata Steel visited Dhamra Port to review strategic logistics solutions and
assess the port’s infrastructure capabilities. The visit coincided with the
berthing of MV ENNA, a Cape Size import iron ore vessel carrying 151,773 metric
tonnes of iron ore for Tata Steel. The arrival of such a large vessel
highlights Dhamra Port’s capability to handle high-volume bulk cargo and
underscores its growing importance as a key logistics hub supporting India’s
expanding steel sector.
This new beginning of
imported iron ore cargo not only strengthens the existing business partnership
between Tata Steel and Dhamra Port but also reflects a shared vision for
long-term strategic development. The deep draft infrastructure at Dhamra Port
positions it among the few ports on the east coast capable of accommodating
Cape Size vessels, offering significant logistical advantages in terms of
scale, efficiency, and cost optimization.
During the visit,
Tata Steel’s senior leadership team reviewed ongoing and upcoming projects at
the port, demonstrating strong strategic alignment between the two
organisations. Discussions focused on capacity augmentation, infrastructure
modernization, and long-term growth planning, all aimed at building a
resilient, efficient, and future-ready maritime logistics ecosystem. Dhamra
Port’s expansion strategy is closely aligned with Tata Steel’s expansion
roadmap, ensuring seamless, efficient, and scalable logistics solutions to meet
rising raw material requirements.
Tata Steel has
maintained a long-standing association with Dhamra Port for handling cargo such
as coal, flux, slag, steel, and limestone. The port recently demonstrated
operational efficiency by discharging 30,000 metric tonnes of limestone within
24 hours at Berth BB 3A from the vessel MV Rixta Oldendorff, reflecting its
modern infrastructure, high productivity levels, and seamless operational
coordination.
The berthing of MV
ENNA marks a milestone achievement in Dhamra Port’s journey towards operational
excellence and enhanced cargo handling capabilities. It also highlights the
port’s commitment to performance, reliability, and customer-centric growth. The
successful handling of a Cape Size vessel reinforces the port’s ability to
manage large vessels efficiently, strengthening its role in supporting India’s
steel and mining sectors.
Aligned with the country’s long-term industrial growth trajectory, Dhamra Port is undertaking a major expansion programme focused on increasing berth capacity, enhancing deep draft infrastructure, and upgrading cargo handling facilities. The forward-looking expansion plan is designed to cater to the evolving logistics needs of large industrial players and ensure readiness for future trade volumes.
As Dhamra Port continues to expand its capabilities, it remains committed to enabling the growth ambitions of its customers while contributing to the strengthening of India’s industrial and maritime ecosystem. The strategic engagement with Tata Steel underscores the port’s rising prominence as a preferred logistics gateway for bulk cargo movement, supporting the nation’s infrastructure-led development momentum.
