Netherlands-based Van Oord has won a contract to maintain Kandla port’s approach channel for the next three years (2017-20). The approach channel is a crucial gateway to the port of Kandla, which is one of the major ports on the west coast of India. The contract was awarded by the Kandla Port Trust (KPT) and the dredging activities commenced in July 2017.
Countries around the world are continuing to expand their ports and maintain their waterways due to the growth in maritime trade and the increasing size of vessels. Kandla port is strategically located in north-west India with good hinterland connections. Improving accessibility to the port will contribute to international and local trade and facilitate economic growth in the region.
Van Oord is one of the leading dredging contractors in India. The company has successfully completed several other dredging projects in the Kandla area. Trailer suction hopper dredgers Volvox Delta and Volvox Asia will be deployed to maintain the channel and berth approaches. During execution, Van Oord’s dredging activities will have a minimum impact on the busy maritime transport route. The dredged material will be deposited in a designated area of the sea.