Kakinada: Ports in Andhra Pradesh are witnessing reduced cargo in exports and imports, due to slump in international market prices and the national policy in coal cargo.

Cargo shipments have been hit hard by the weak global economic scenario. Although the target for cargo volume this year has been set at 79.96 million metric tonnes (MMT) as against last year’s target of 69.6 MMT, the five ports in Andhra Pradesh have achieved just 27.693 MMT in volume of cargo handled in exports and imports.

Krishnapatnam Port handled 13.781 MMT, out of its target of 43 MMT. Gangavaram Port handled 8.46 MMT, out of its target of 18 MMT; Kakinada Deep Water Port 4.398 MMT, out of 15.48 MMT; Kakinada Anchorage Port 0.729 MMT, out of 2.5 MMT; and Ravva Port 0.327 MMT, out of 1 MMT of target.

The Customs and Excise Department has pinned hopes on the major ports of Krishnapatnam, Gangavaram and Kakin-ada Deep Water Port.

“Exports and imports of cargos in Andhra Pradesh are poor due to international market prices and other reasons,” said Mr Koya Praveen, director of Ports. However, he said there was an increase in cargo volume in July and August. Mr Dantu Surya Rao, Cocanada Chamber of Commerce chairman, said the NDA government has imposed some restrictions on coal cargo, which is major revenue to some ports. Due to the national policy, coal and iron ore cargos have fallen drastically.

According to sources, India holds 10 of the world’s coal reserves, but local supplies are falling short of demand and also high ash content in power plants increases the production costs.

Meanwhile, the director of Ports has introduced an online system for easy clearances. The shipping trade, at present, is making use of manual transactions and it delays the process for handling import and exports for ships. If there is delay in getting clearances, the user should bear the delay charges for shipments. Mr. Praveen said all the transactions could be made easily and shipping trade could get clearances online, without any hassle.