Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) has achieved a significant milestone by successfully berthing a 292-metre cape-sized bulk carrier, MV Graceous, at the EQ-1 berth in the inner harbour. The vessel arrived with a beam of 45 metres and a draft of 12.2 metres, a configuration that demonstrates the port's capacity to handle large, deep draught ships. The berthing operation was completed without incident and marks enhanced utilisation of the inner harbour facilities.

Cape-sized bulk carriers are capable of carrying up to zero point two million (mn) t of deadweight and are too long to transit through the Panama Canal, requiring navigation via the Cape of Good Hope according to bulkcarrierguide.com. Only a limited number of ports in the world can accommodate such vessels in fully loaded condition, making the successful handling of MV Graceous notable for regional trade flows. The ability to receive larger ships strengthens prospects for efficient bulk commodity movements.

The addition of another cape-compliant berth strengthens the port's cargo handling capacity and operational flexibility. VPA now possesses more than one berth suited to cape-sized ships, which should reduce vessel waiting times and facilitate higher throughput for bulk imports and exports. The development follows ongoing investments in infrastructure and channel maintenance aimed at improving draft and manoeuvring space.

The accomplishment was reported to have been recorded by PTI and is presented as a historic moment for the port. VPA's officials view the milestone as part of a broader effort to meet growing demand in maritime trade and to enhance competitiveness in handling large bulk carriers in the Bay of Bengal region. The milestone contributes to plans to enhance service levels and attract additional large vessel calls to the port, and VPA will continue work on channel upkeep and pilotage to sustain safe handling of deep draught ships.