The Kolkata Port Saturday successfully commenced night navigation in the upper reaches of the River Hooghly to the Bay of Bengal. This development will reduce turnaround time and pre-berthing detention of vessels.
According to Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), the inaugural run, conducted in the early hours of Saturday, saw the successful transit of container vessel M V SinarPenida carrying a cargo quantity of 8,000 MT from Budge Budge to the sea during complete darkness.
Speaking of the achievement, Rathendra Raman, Chairman, SMPK, said, “This is a historic day for SMP Kolkata. The successful introduction of night navigation in the upper stretches of the River Hooghly is a testament to the scientific and technological approach adopted by the port. It will significantly improve operational efficiency and turnaround time, paving the way for enhanced trade throughput.”
Historically, the long and meandering 232-km river channel from the sea to Kolkata Dock System (KDS), marked by restrictions in navigable depth and strong cross-tidal currents, posed a significant challenge for continuous vessel movement.
The absence of night navigation between Diamond Harbour and Kolkata was a longstanding impediment to optimal maritime operations, port authorities said.
According to SMPK authorities, nighttime vessel transit through the river channel will now be done by using modern electronic aids like electronic charts and navigational simulators, and backed by significant improvements in navigation infrastructure, including track lights, transit lights, and illuminated channel buoys.
The National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC), IIT Madras, prepared a comprehensive study and roadmap for night navigation in collaboration with the Port of Antwerp.
A navigational simulator, jointly installed by IIT Madras and Applied Research International, is now operational to support pilot training and real-time scenario analysis, authorities stated.
They also said that with the introduction of night navigation, the port is expected to witness a notable increase in the number of vessels that can be handled daily.
“The ability to operate round the clock will decongest the channel, facilitate quicker vessel turnaround, and directly impact critical Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as Pre-Berthing Delay, Berth Occupancy Rate, and Ship-Day Productivity. This strategic enhancement is poised to make SMPK a more attractive and competitive hub for global shipping lines,” said Samrat Rahi, Deputy Chairperson, SMPK.
Raman also said, “With further acclimatisation of pilots and continuous technological upgradation, we look forward to enabling night navigation for larger vessels with deeper drafts, ultimately transforming SMPK into a more agile and future-ready port.”