Deendayal Port Sets Loading Record With Bentonite Shipment

13 Jul 2026 CW Team

The Deendayal Port Authority at Kandla completed the loading of 38,500 metric tonnes (t) of bentonite onto MV BUZZARD in 22 hours and 25 minutes, marking a new operational milestone. The operation began at 04:05 pm on the second of July and concluded at 02:30 pm on the third of July, demonstrating focused coordination across the terminal. The swift turnaround reflected the port's emphasis on operational efficiency and world-class cargo handling.

The achievement followed joint efforts by Ashapura Stevedores, a unit of Ashapura Shipping Group, Spartans Marine Services as vessel agent, Balaji Infraport Pvt Ltd as customs house agent and exporters Gimpex Imerys India Private Limited and Bharat Abrasives and Chemical Industries. The port attributed the success to planned staging, manpower deployment and real-time coordination among stevedores, agents, shippers and labour. The release noted collective support from officers, employees, trade unions and shramiks.

The operation reinforced the authority's capability to ensure faster vessel turnaround and reliable logistics support for trade, according to the statement. Earlier on 26 June the port had processed 0.778 million (mn) tonnes (t) of cargo in a single day, a national record for 24 hour handling that underlined capacity for high intensity operations. That milestone was presented as evidence of sustained improvements in throughput and terminal performance.

The authority also reported growth in liquefied petroleum gas handling for financial year 2025-26, recording handling of 133 LPG vessels and 2.61 million (mn) tonnes (t) of LPG cargo, a 25 per cent year on year increase. The port said these consecutive achievements illustrated an upward trend in cargo volumes and customer service standards. Stakeholders were credited with enabling quicker vessel cycles and enhanced competitiveness for the port.

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