Kolkata, 3 May (H.S.): Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), has made history by launching night navigation for the first time in the upper reaches of the Hooghly River. The new service, which commenced on Saturday from Budge Budge to the sea, is seen as a significant step toward enhancing the port’s operational efficiency and capacity.
Port official Sanjay Mukherjee stated that the initiative is expected to reduce vessel turnaround time and minimize pre-berthing delays at the Kolkata Dock System (KDS). The 232-km-long river channel, with its restricted depths and strong tidal currents, has long posed challenges for smooth port operations.
Mukherjee added that until now, night navigation between Diamond Harbour and Kolkata was not possible, which meant the full advantage of high tides could not be utilized. The new capability, enabled through electronic charts, advanced navigation simulators, and modern equipment, has strengthened the port’s infrastructure with features such as track lights, transit lights, and illuminated channel buoys.
The National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC) at IIT Madras conducted a comprehensive study and roadmap for the project. The navigation simulator, jointly developed by IIT Madras and ARI, is now operational, supporting pilot training and real-time analysis.
The maiden night navigation run was successfully completed by the container vessel ‘MV Sinar Penida’ in the early hours of Saturday. The 117-meter-long vessel, with a 6-meter draft, safely carried 8,000 tons of cargo from Budge Budge to the sea in complete darkness, marking the dawn of a new era in Hooghly River navigation.
SMPK Chairman Rathendra Raman described the milestone as historic, emphasizing that it will greatly improve the port’s efficiency and vessel handling capacity. Deputy Chairperson Samrat Rahi highlighted that round-the-clock operations will ease channel congestion and boost key performance indicators, making SMPK more globally competitive.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
