By Our Correspondent
BHADRAK/BERHAMPUR: At least two major Ports privately managed including Dhamra Port Corporation Ltd of Adani Group in Bhadrak and Gopalpur Port Ltd in Ganjam districts of Odisha have declared Force Majeure for COVID-19, sources said on Thursday.
Recently, Minister of State (I/C) for Shipping Mansukh Mandaviya had reviewed situation at all major ports regarding cargo handling, SOP, payment to casual labourers, etc., through video conferencing, with all the Chairpersons of ports and Director General, Shipping in this pandemic situation.
More than 90% of exim cargo is handled through ports. For proper and smooth maintenance of the supply chain, the Ministry of Shipping is taking all-round measures. For easy movement of cargo at ports, the Ministry of Shipping has prepared Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to be adhered at all ports to fight against COVID-19.
Gopalpur Port Ltd has taken all precautionary measures to prevent the outbreak of COVID – 19 and It is strictly following the norms and directives received from the Directorate General of Shipping and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfares of Government of India, said Sandeep Agarwal, CEO GPL.
Compared to last year (CY18), this year, Odisha’s contribution to India’s total iron ore production has increased significantly. Paradip remained the largest iron ore exporting port in CY19. This year, Paradip Port’s iron ore exports increased 110% to around 13.28 MnT against CY18’s 6.32 MnT. Dhamra Port is in second spot at 4.16 MnT and Vishakhapatnam is third, reporting exports of around 3.77 MnT.
In CY19, average annual prices of Odisha’s iron ore lumps of Fe 63% (5-18mm) were reported at INR 3,971/MT. The highest price was recorded in the second half of February at INR 4,600/MT, while the lowest price was observed in the first half of October at INR 3,500/MT.
The average annual price of Odisha’s iron ore fines of Fe 63% were reported at INR 1,947/MT. Prices peaked at INR 2,300/MT for one week during mid-February, while the lowest price was observed during the whole of October and the first half of November at INR 1,750/MT.The average annual price of Karnataka’s iron ore fines of Fe 60% were reported at INR 2,045/MT while Fe 63% lumps were reported at INR 2,934/MT.
