A Glorious Journey

SDLG machines operating at Gangavaram port at par with the best in the world, has its eyes set on the South East Asian Market. Situated in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, Gangavaram Port with a depth of 21 m, is the deepest port in India. The port was awarded to the DVS Raju led consortium through an international bidding process in the year 2003. It began construction in 2005 and commenced operations in 2008. V Janardhana Rao, Director- Operations, Gangavaram Port, says, ¨It has been seven years since we began our journey and today we are operating at par with the best in the world. Together as a team of highly dedicated professionals and experts, today we strive to be the leading port in South East Asia.¨ Running a tight ship With Rao´s rich experience and staunch support from all the employees, Gangavarm Port has progressed substantially. As Rao states, ¨We handle more than DWT annually. Only a few ports in the country can claim to do the same.¨ He continues, ¨In 2014-15, the port started it´s functioning with five berths and extended to nine berths on which we handled around 20.75 MMT with a growth rate of 31 per cent over 2013-14. Although the tonnage represents an admirable performance, it does not depict the entire picture. Considering that we achieved these numbers despite being pulled back due to Cyclone Hudhud, it is remarkable.¨ He continues, ¨Today we have nine ultra modern berths. Out of these, there are three mechanised berths equipped with ship unloaders and loaders and closed conveyor systems. Now our tonnage handling capacity is 45 million tonne. Time perfection Elucidating on the importance given to timely delivery by the port, Rao says, ¨Whether it is pre-berthing, unloading or loading, or discharging of goods, we are always on our toes to ensure they happen efficiently. This results in a lot of savings on freight costs. And it has been the trend since the beginning. Gangavaram Port is one of the few greenfield port projects in India to have been implemented on schedule. Considering the magnitude of this sector, it is a commendable feat.¨ Further he says, ¨Timely delivery and efficiency are the main ingredients for success in our field. This is the prime reason why we got associated with SDLG.The SDLG team provides us equipment, spare parts and support at the right time, which is critical in our work. Their effort to serve us the best always is appreciable. Their machines and services are a reflection of the same. Currently, we use 15 SDLG Wheel Loader, which include LG979 and LG958 - models that deliver great performance and enhance productivity every time.¨ Responsible work culture Talking about the role of Gangavaram Port for the betterment of society and environment, Rao says, ¨We consider it as our duty to give back to the environment and society. Employment opportunities for villagers in and around our port, continuous air quality, marine water or sediment, noise and ground water quality monitoring and tree plantation drives are some of the activities we undertake at regular intervals. Also, we ensure healthy work environment at the port.¨ He continues, ¨We have sprinklers to ensure cleanliness all around. These cover a radius of 120 m and are 50 m in height. The mist technology ensures a long lasting effect.¨ (Communication by the management of the company)