Bharat Mumbai Container Terminals (BMCT) has received the first tranche of its container handling equipment in preparation for commencement of operations. A total of six super post-panamax quay cranes, 18 rubber-tyred gantry cranes, four rail-mounted gantry cranes and support equipment have already been delivered to the terminal and commissioning is nearing completion. BMCT is India’s largest FDI PPP (Foreign Direct Investment Public Private Partnership) port project and has been under construction since 2015 to meet the start of operations date of 2017-end. On completion of all phases of the project, BMCT will be India’s largest container terminal and a world-class facility that India can be proud of.
Thirty-eight trainees who were inducted into the BMCT team since August this year have successfully completed several phases of extensive training. Guided by BMCT’s experienced trainers and PSA’s seasoned experts, the trainees, who were all recruited from BMCT’s local area, will be returning shortly from training at PSA’s Chennai International Terminals. Before going to Chennai, they spent over two weeks in class-room training at BMCT. Training is supplemented with further classroom instruction and time spent on BMCT’s equipment simulator. During their time in Chennai, the trainees worked in a live, operating terminal and were able to experience conditions similar to when BMCT starts operations.
“Our exposure to live port operations in Chennai was an eye opener, exposing us to various practical aspects of cargo handling. Post our return, we will be working on the state-of-the-art equipment recently commissioned at BMCT. The overall experience has been both enriching and rewarding,” said Bhawna Bhoir, Trainee at BMCT.
“Apart from other aspects, there was a large focus on quality control. Our training program has now enabled and empowered me to handle cranes on my own,” added Abhijeet Kadu.
BMCT’s CEO Suresh Amirapu, said, “As we prepare for the start of BMCT’s Phase-I at year end, we’re pleased with the progress our trainees are making. We are working closely alongside JNPT and the relevant authorities to ensure a smooth start-up of the operations.”