Essar Shipping Ports and Logistics has started commercial operations at a new bulk terminal in Hazira, India.

The Rs8bn ($168m) terminal has a capacity of 30 million tonnes per year (MTPA) and a 550m-long berth that can accommodate large vessels.

The terminal is connected to the Gulf of Khambhat and the Arabian Sea by a 7.2km navigation channel with a width of 230m and a depth of 8m below chart datum.

The channel, which is being widened and deepened, will accommodate mini Cape-sized vessels up to 105,000dwt, the port operator said.

Following the commissioning of the port, Essar’s total cargo handling capacity has increased to 76MTPA.