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• BS reported that Dhamara port, a non major deep sea port jointly promoted by two of India’s noted business conglomerates TATA Steel and Larsen & Toubro is keen on expansion and is considering proposals for building LNG (liquefied natural gas) terminal.The port authorities are also interested in ramping up berth capacity and are aiming to position this maiden minor port project in Orissa as one of the major projects executed in the country over the next 10 years.Mr YM Deosthalee CMD of L&T Finance and chairman of DPCL at the official inauguration of the port project said that “We have contributed two berths. This project has got a lot of potential and we would like to expand this project. Already, there are proposals to build several terminals and we are considering these proposals.”
• But he did not name the investors for terminal projects nor did he spell out future investment plans. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd and Petronet LNG are understood to have given proposals for building LNG (liquefied terminal gas) terminal within the port premises of DPCL.He added that “This project is a landmark project envisaging an investment of over INR 3500 crore. It was possible for us to complete financial closure of this project with the help of our banks.”According to the state Chief Secretary Mr BK Patnaik, the capacity of Dhamara port is expandable to 13 berths. The Dhamara port master plan provides for 13 berths capable of handling more than 100 million tones of dry bulk, break bulk and containerized cargo.
• The port will be handed over to the Orissa government after 30 years.The Dhamara port, considered to be one of the deepest sea ports in the country with a draught of 17.5 metres has been taken up after acquisition of land in 74 villages. The port is capable of handling Capesize vessels up to 180,000 dead weight tonnage. DPCL is the biggest investor among all the proposed minor port developers, with its investment till the second quarter of 2011-12 standing at INR 3570.35 crore.

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