India: Coal Traffic Handled at Major Ports Up 17% Y-o-Y in Apr-Jul

According to the data provided by Indian Port Association (IPA), coal imports at the country’s 12 major ports have increased 17% during the first 4 months of FY19. Total shipments arriving at the ports have surged to 54.142 MnT during Apr’18-Jul’18 against 46.117 MnT in Apr’17-Jul’17.

The 12 major ports of India listed under IPA include: Kolkata (Kolkata and Haldia dock both combined), Paradip, Visakhapatnam, Kamajar (Ennore), Chennai, V O Chidambaranar, Cochin, New Mangalore, Mormugao, Mumbai, J.N.P.T and Kandla.

India has witnessed a significant increase in coal imports as domestic production continues to lag behind the rising coal demand. During the first 4 months of FY19, the country has seen imports of both thermal coal (which is mainly used for power generation) and coking coal (mainly used for steel-making) rising on the year-on-year basis.

Thermal & Steam coal shipments had jumped 23% Y-o-Y to 36.516 MnT, while Coaking and other coal shipments increased 8% Y-o-Y to 17.626 MnT during Apr’18-Jul’18.

Major Coal Receivers:
Paradip port handled nearly 30% of the total shipments, received 15.843 MnT coal in Apr’18-Jul’18. Ennore port took 17%, while Kolkata handled about 12% of all imports.

For the period from Apr’18- Jun’18, seven ports – Paradip, Ennore, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam, Kandla, V O Chidambaranar, and New Mangalore had registered positive growth in traffic. JNPT and Chennai port have not received any coal shipment in FY19.

Monthly Arrival at Ports:
Monthly coal shipments arriving at the major ports had dropped 2% Y-o-Y to 12.821 in Jul’18, as Indian thermal coal buying was constrained by coal already stocked for the monsoon period.

Thermal coal imports were down 9% M-o-M to 8.229 MnT in Jul’18; while Coking coal shipments recovered after falling in Jun’18, to attain 4.592 MnT in Jul’18.