Interview with Chairman VPA Dr. Madhaiyaan Angamuthu, IAS.

Visakhapatnam Port, also known as Vizag Port, is a major seaport located on the east coast of India in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the largest and busiest ports in India, handling a diverse range of cargo including iron ore, coal, petroleum products, and containers. The current Chairman of Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) is Dr. Madhaiyaan Angamuthu, IAS.

Dr. Madhaiyaan Angamuthu is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer currently serving as the Chairman of the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA). He is a highly qualified individual with a Doctorate in Agriculture and a Master's degree in Horticulture. With a wealth of experience and a vision for the future, Dr. Angamuthu is driving VPA towards new heights. His leadership has been instrumental in transforming the port into a modern, efficient, and eco-friendly facility.

Before his appointment as VPA Chairman, he held various key positions in the Government of Assam, including Commissioner and Secretary for several departments. He is known for his innovative approach and commitment to public service.

 

Question: Sir first of all congratulations on VPA’s achievement of handling the highest cargo since inception last fiscal. If you could briefly tell us what led to this achievement.

Answer: VPA’s achievement of handling the highest cargo since inception:
VPA achieved this milestone of 81.09 MT due to strategic initiatives, including infrastructure enhancements, streamlined operations, digital integration, and improved stakeholder engagement. Consistent efforts to attract new cargo streams and maintain operational efficiency were key drivers.

Question: What is the target (cargo handling) VPA is looking for this year?

Answer: Cargo handling target for this year:
VPA aims to surpass its previous record by focusing on diversifying cargo, enhancing operational efficiency, and leveraging strategic infrastructure projects and set an internal target of 90 MT.

 

Question: VPA’s container terminal (VCT) also featured among the world’s top 20 rankings of CPPI 2023. Could you elaborate on what this achievement means for VPA and overall shipping fraternity in India.

Answer: VCT’s CPPI 2023 ranking and its significance:
Being ranked in the world’s top 20 demonstrates VPA's competitiveness and efficiency in container handling. It positions VPA as a hub for global trade, boosting confidence among shipping lines and stakeholders.

Recently the port handled MSC TOPAZ with 366 Mts LOA which is the highest length vessel handled. Earlier in May 2024,the port handled Monica Christina with 15.4 Mts draft, 15,256 TEU vessel which is the highest draft vessel. This demonstrates that the terminal has good infrastructure to handle Next Generation vessels.

Question: Global shipping is going thru tepid times due to geopolitical scenarios. How do you think this would impact VPA?

Answer: Impact of global geopolitical scenarios:
Global shipping faces challenges such as high fuel costs, supply chain disruptions due to Red Sea crisis, and shifting trade routes. VPA mitigates these by adopting flexible strategies, maintaining cost efficiency, and prioritizing cargo diversification.

Question: Sir as VPA is moving towards becoming a land lord port. What impact will this have on local operators like stevedores etc?

Answer: Transition to a landlord port and its impact on local operators:
The port has plans to go complete land lord by 2030. As a landlord port, VPA focuses on common infrastructure and regulatory functions, offering opportunities and services for stevedores and PPP/BOT operators to grow business at VPA.

Question: VPA has been on a modernisation spree. As of today, how many berths are operated on PPP mode and how many are yet to be privatised?

Answer: Privatisation status of berths:
VPA currently operates 8 berths under PPP/BOT mode, with plans to go  for PPP/BOT/Captive mode the remaining berths. This ensures increased investment in mechanization and efficiency in operations. In next 6 months 3 more berths (WQ-1,2,3)  will be offered for private investment.

Question: Seamless Cargo evacuation is key for any successful port operations. What is VPA doing to aggrandize infra at VPA and to streamline connectivity to and fro the port.

Answer: Efforts to improve cargo evacuation and connectivity:
VPA is expanding road and rail networks, including upgrading the port connectivity road to 10-lane connectivity and optimizing yard operations, to ensure seamless cargo evacuation. Storage spaces will be utilized optimally for the EXIM cargo for which there is exercise going on.

Question: When would VPA be able to handle capsize vessels in the inner harbour as it needs 16.5 meters draft.

Answer: Handling capsize vessels in the inner harbour:
Draft enhancement projects are underway, targeting 16.5 meters to accommodate capsize vessels for which a study was entrusted to IIT Chennai. Recently the IIT Chennai team visited the port and made preliminary study.  After DPR submitted by IIT, the details will be shared

Question:  How has Gati shakti made an impact on VPA operations?

Answer: Impact of Gati Shakti on VPA operations:
The Gati Shakti initiative integrates infrastructure development, streamlines connectivity projects, and significantly enhances operational efficiency at VPA by avoiding project delays.

Question:  What is the average turnaround time at VPA and how does this compare to other major ports in the country?

Answer: Average turnaround time at VPA compared to other ports:
VPA boasts one of the best turnaround times in the country due to efficient resource allocation and technological advancements, placing it ahead of several major ports. The Container TRT is just 0.89 days which is better than JNPA 0.92 days for FY24.

Question:  What impact has Gangavaram port had on VPA operations since its taking over by the Adanis?

Answer: Impact of Gangavaram Port on VPA:
There is impact with Gangavaram port in the nearby location. However, the port has diversified cargo mix with which we have overcome the competition.

Question:  Gangavaram port recently started its container terminal operations. How do you see this impacting VPA?

Answer: Container terminal operations at Gangavaram and its impact on VPA:
While Gangavaram’s operations may present competition, VPA continues to focus on providing superior services and leveraging its strategic advantages and partnerships.

Question:  Finally any message you would you like to give to Trade and the overall shipping community in this region.

Answer: Message to Trade and the shipping community:
VPA is dedicated to achieving excellence in port operations through continuous engagement with all stakeholders, adopting advanced mechanization, and strengthening collaborations with shipping lines to address the dynamic demands of the shipping industry.