Latest news with #SMPK
Indian Express
15-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Hooghly's heritage takes to water: Kolkata port plans floating cafés and museums
Wriiten by Sharadiya Mitra The Syama Prasad Mukherjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), is offering a new opportunity to hospitality brands, tourism operators, and innovators to revolutionise tourism along the Hooghly river. The port invites proposals to repurpose three historic pilot launches—P.L. Rupsa, P.L. Hooghly, and P.L. Gopal—into floating spaces for culture, leisure, and tourism. These vessels, once key to guiding ships on the Hooghly since the late 1990s, are ready for a second life as cafés, museums, and public attractions. 'Inspired by the success of ventures like 'Bengal Paddle', SMP Kolkata envisions converting heritage vessels into floating cafés, museums, cruises, and event spaces. This initiative aims to preserve maritime history while enhancing community participation,' said Sanjay Mukherjee, Senior Public Relations Officer at SMPK. P.L. Rupsa and P.L. Hooghly, built in 1997, are steel-hulled and measure 32.90 metres each. Each offers 1,000-2,000 sq ft of usable space, with a capacity of 50-100 guests. P.L. Gopal, built in 1994 with a fiberglass hull, is 19.00 metres long and offers 800-1,000 sq ft, suitable for 30–50 guests. These structurally sound vessels are ideal for adaptive reuse and show strong potential as heritage tourism assets. Mukherjee added, 'SMP Kolkata is also offering free berthing at the Kolkata Dock System (KDS) for retrofitting, along with complimentary jetty space for passenger and staff movement during operations. This is part of a broader mission to revive Kolkata's riverfront by blending culture, tourism, and commerce, while honoring its maritime heritage.' The project marks a bold step in reimagining Kolkata's riverfront. By turning historic vessels into floating landmarks, SMPK aims to merge tradition with innovation — a push for sustainable tourism. The writer is an intern with The Indian Express, Kolkata.
News18
09-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Operation Sindoor: Kolkata Port Enhances Security Amid National Alert
Last Updated: Chaired by Rathendra Raman, Chairman of SMPK, the meeting included key officials, including CISF and departmental heads Amid the India-Pakistan tension, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPS&W), has escalated its security protocols following a high-level virtual meeting chaired by TK Ramachandran, Secretary, MoPS&W. Chaired by Rathendra Raman, Chairman of SMPK, the meeting included key officials, including CISF and departmental heads. The key measures announced include: Security Level Raised to 2: Increased vigilance across port premises and waterways, with strict reporting of any suspicious activity. Staff Availability: Leave for all employees, including contractual staff, stands cancelled from May 10-14, 2025. All must remain at headquarters, including on weekly offs. Cybersecurity Reinforcement: Enhanced protocols under CISO's guidance, with detailed instructions to follow. Emergency Preparedness: Regular drills to be conducted; port operations will cease during blackouts. Access Control: Only valid permit or ID holders will be allowed entry, with strict enforcement by CISF and PSO. Chairman Raman emphasised SMPK's commitment to safety and operational continuity, aligning with directives from MoPS&W and DG Shipping. SMPK remains dedicated to maintaining secure port operations during this heightened alert, he said. Amid the escalating tension between India and Pakistan, New Delhi has banned Pakistan-flag merchant vessels at Indian ports. The order also mentions that Indian ships too will not be allowed to go to any port in the neighbouring country. 'This order is issued to ensure safety of Indian assets, cargo and connected infrastructure, in public interest and for interest of Indian shipping," the Directorate General of Shipping said, adding that the order shall come into force with immediate effect and remain in force till further order. The ministry of ports, shipping and waterways stated that the impositions have been placed under Section 411 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. First Published: May 09, 2025, 20:02 IST
The Print
03-05-2025
- Business
- The Print
Syama Prasad Mookherjee Port launches night navigation on river Hooghly
The port leveraged modern electronic aids and navigational infrastructure, including electronic charts, track lights, and illuminated channel buoys. The initiative, aimed at reducing turnaround time and pre-berthing detention of vessels, enables seamless night-time vessel transit through the river channel from Budge Budge to the sea, a statement said. Kolkata, May 3 (PTI) Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMPK) Kolkata on Saturday announced the successful commencement of night navigation on the River Hooghly. 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, it said. The inaugural run saw the successful transit of the container vessel M V Sinar Penida, carrying 8,000 MT of cargo. This development is expected to increase the number of vessels handled daily, improving berth availability and port throughput. SMPK deputy chairman Samrat Rahi said, 'We look forward to enabling night navigation for larger vessels, transforming SMPK into a more agile and future-ready port.' PTI BSM RG This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Indian Express
03-05-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
Kolkata Port launches night navigation on River Hooghly, significant increase in trade expected
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.'
Business Standard
28-04-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
GRSE soars on approval of land lease deal
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) surged 7.74% to Rs 1741.95 after the company's board approved a 30-year land lease agreement with Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK). At its meeting held on Friday, April 25, 2025, the GRSE board discussed and approved plans to lease a land parcel at Timber Pond, Howrah, from SMPK. This land, with its strategic waterfront access, will be used by GRSE to strengthen its infrastructure for shipbuilding, ship repair, and other engineering activities. The company emphasized that this move aligns with its long-term vision to meet the growing domestic and export demand for its services. The company clarified that no immediate revenue generation is anticipated from this initiative. State-run GRSE is one of India's leading defence shipyards, located in Kolkata. It builds and repairs commercial and naval vessels. GRSE also exports the ships that the company builds. As of 31 December 2024, the Government of India holds 74.50% in the company. The company's net profit climbed 11.26% to Rs 98.19 crore on a 37.69% rise in revenue from operations to Rs 1,271 crore in Q3 FY25 over Q3 FY24.
