Port Vysotsky plans to upgrade its handling equipment
Port Vysotsky LLC set aside more than RUB 100 million for the purchase of handling equipment over the next year, the company’s head told PortNews correspondent.
According to General Director Vadim Pavlov Port Vysotsky plans to buy a loader, two coal conveyors with magnetic cleaning, the fifth Mantsinen crane and other material handling equipment. By the end of this year the company will upgrade its gantry cranes.
In addition, the company mulls the construction of a complex for coal unloading.
Port Vysotsky expects its coal terminal capacity to reach 3.5 million tons, 50 percent more than a year ago (2.3 million tons). The further port coal throughput growth will depend largely on the construction of the Losevo-Kamenogorsk sidetrack that could boost coal volume to 7.5 million tons a year.
Vadim Pavlov also said the company is considering the possibility of handling other types of cargoes (bulk and general).
Port Vysotsky LLC operating the coal terminal specializes in handling of coal cargo exported to Western Europe. In 2010, the company exported 2.3 million tons of coal versus 2.9m tons a year earlier. Last December, Port Vysotsky completed dredging project. The harbor waters depths were deepened from 9.3 m to 11.9 m. So, the port can now accommodate vessels with deadweight of more than 45,000t. To facilitate the entry of ships at the port, the approach channel was widened by 50 m, which was also equipped with special navaid, including light buoys.