Date:02/03/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/03/02/stories/2005030202041300.htm

Back Chennai port exceeds throughput target

Our Bureau

Chennai , March 1

THE Chennai port has crossed the target of 39.17 million tonnes set by the Union Shipping Ministry for fiscal 2004-05 by handling 39.19 mt on February 27, a month ahead of schedule.

The port expects to handle further 3.5 mt in March, and with this the throughput of Chennai port for the fiscal 2004-05 will be 42.5 mt, according to a Chennai Port Trust press release.

The port handled 41.22 mt during fiscal 2000-01 when Tamil Nadu Electricity Board coal was handled at the port. However, after shifting TNEB coal, the throughput of the port reduced to 36 mt and now, the port is likely to create an all time record during 2004-05, the release says.

The port handled 1,510 vessels (up to February 27) as against 1,508 vessels handled during the same period in the last year.