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Key Role of Inland Waterways Authority (IWAI)
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), operating under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, has taken charge of transporting ODC in Assam. As the nodal agency responsible for the development and management of inland waterways across the country, IWAI plays a vital role in this initiative.
Driving the Expansion of Numaligarh Refinery in Assam
The transportation of ODC has played a pivotal role in the expansion of the Numaligarh Refinery (NRL) in Assam. This ambitious project aims to enhance the refinery's capacity from 3 million metric tons (MMT) to an impressive 9 MMT, opening doors for increased production and growth in Assam's petroleum sector.
Solidifying Partnership through Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
To ensure smooth logistics for NRL's expansion plans, IWAI and NRL signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) last year. This agreement solidified the partnership between the two entities, facilitating the transportation of ODC and Over Weight Cargo (OWC) in Assam.
Success with MV-Marine 66: Kolkata to Numaligarh Refinery Jetty
The maiden transportation of ODC from Kolkata to Numaligarh Refinery Jetty in Assam was a resounding success, thanks to the crucial involvement of MV-Marine 66. This vessel played a pivotal role in proving the effectiveness and viability of waterways as a reliable mode of cargo transportation.
Impressive Cargo Specifications Showcase Scale and Complexity
The centerpiece of the cargo was the Diesel Hydrotreating (DHT) reactor, an impressive component weighing a staggering 485 metric tons (MT) in net weight. With its remarkable dimensions of 31.5 meters in length and 8.00 meters in diameter, this massive equipment highlighted the immense scale and complexity of the transportation operation.
Optimizing Efficiency through an Efficient Waterway Route
The journey from Kolkata to Numaligarh in Assam spanned nearly three months, utilizing the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR). This strategic choice optimized efficiency and facilitated smooth transit, ensuring the seamless completion of the transportation project in Assam.
Dredgers: Enabling Navigability and Success
Overcoming logistical challenges, IWAI employed three essential dredgers—CSD Mandovi, CSD Brahmini, and HSD Jia Bhoroli—in Assam. These dredgers played a vital role in ensuring navigability and maintaining optimal waterway conditions, contributing significantly to the overall success of the transportation project in Assam.