Paradip: Paradip Port Authority has marked a major milestone in India’s maritime and cargo-handling capabilities by successfully berthing MV Mineral Kwangyang, its first-ever Capesize vessel with a 16.5-metre draft, at Western Dock-1.
The successful berthing of the massive vessel signals a significant upgrade in Paradip Port’s ability to accommodate large, deep-draft ships and handle heavy bulk cargo more efficiently. Measuring 292 metres in length, MV Mineral Kwangyang arrived at Paradip carrying a staggering 152,702 metric tonnes of coking coal from Hay Point, Australia.
The operation demonstrates the port’s growing ability to handle some of the world’s largest dry-bulk vessels and strengthens its position as a key gateway for India’s industrial and energy supply chains.
Paradip Port Authority has achieved a major maritime milestone, successfully berthing MV Mineral Kwangyang, its first-ever Capesize vessel with a 16.5-metre draft, at Western Dock-1.
The 292-metre vessel, carrying 152,702 MT of coking coal from Hay Point, Australia, marks a… pic.twitter.com/ZaIh5LhCGz
— DD News (@DDNewslive) September 6, 2026
A major test of deep-draft capability
The 16.5-metre draft of MV Mineral Kwangyang makes the vessel particularly significant for Paradip. Successfully accommodating a ship of this size and draft at Western Dock-1 represents a major operational achievement for the port.
Capesize vessels are among the largest bulk carriers commonly used to transport commodities such as coal and iron ore. Their enormous cargo capacity allows larger volumes to be moved in a single voyage, potentially improving economies of scale and cargo-handling efficiency.
The berthing therefore marks more than the arrival of another cargo ship it demonstrates Paradip’s enhanced readiness to handle larger vessels carrying substantially greater cargo volumes.
1.52 lakh tonnes of coking coal
The vessel’s cargo of 152,702 MT of coking coal is another key feature of the milestone. Coking coal is an essential raw material for steel production, making the efficient movement of large consignments strategically important for India’s industrial sector.
The arrival of such a large consignment in a single vessel highlights the role deep-draft ports can play in streamlining bulk commodity imports and supporting industries that depend on uninterrupted raw-material supplies.
Paradip’s maritime ambitions get a boost
The successful berthing comes as Paradip continues to strengthen its infrastructure and operational capabilities. The ability to receive larger Capesize vessels can potentially allow the port to handle greater cargo volumes with fewer vessel movements, while improving its attractiveness for major bulk cargo operators.
For India, where efficient maritime logistics are crucial to maintaining competitive supply chains, the development is particularly significant.
With MV Mineral Kwangyang now successfully berthed at Western Dock-1, Paradip has demonstrated that it can take on vessels of a scale that demands greater depth, stronger infrastructure and precise marine operations.
