The Vizag port run by the Essar Group will reportedly be shutting its operation for a week prior to the commissioning of a new 8,000-tonne per hour ship loader. As per reports, the commissioning of the ship loader is part of the port's Rs 830 -crore modernisation and expansion project. This expansion will upgrade and expand the harbour's iron ore handling capacity from 12.5 million tonne to 23 million tonne per annum. During the shut from December 13-19, other cargo handling equipment, including a new reclaimer and a mechanical conveyor system, will also be commissioned. The new ship loader can handle 120,000 tonne per day cargo, which will translate to shorter turnaround time and competitive freight costs for exporters on the East Coast.