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{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2019}}
{{Coord|14|15|N|80|08|E|display=title}}
{{Infobox Port
| name = '''Krishnapatnam Port Company Limited (KPCL)'''
| logo = Krishnapatnamport_logo.jpg
| logo_size = 150px
| image = Krishnapatnam_port_cranes_unloadng_a_ship.jpg
| image_size = 250px
| image_caption =
| country = {{flagicon|India}} [[India]]
| location = [[Krishnapatnam]]
| coordinates =
| opened = 2008
| operated = [[Adani Ports & SEZ]]
| owner = Adani Group
| type =
| sizewater =
| sizeland =
| size =
| berths = 14
| wharfs =
| piers =
| employees =
| leadershiptitle =
| leader =
| arrivals =
| containervolume =8.5 million TEU (2022-23) <ref name= d>{{cite news | url=https://www.porttechnology.org/news/adani-ports-moves-more-than-8-5-million-teu/ | title=Adani Ports moves more than 8.5 million TEU | date=6 April 2023 | newspaper=Port Technology | accessdate=19 May 2023 }}</ref>
| cargo value =
| passenger traffic =
| cargotonnage = 6.4 crore tonnes (64 mtpa) (2020-21)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2021/apr/06/adani-group-takesfull-control-of-krishnapatnam-port-in-andhra-pradesh-2286279.html | title=Adani group takes full control of Krishnapatnam port in Andhra Pradesh | date=6 April 2021 }}</ref>
| revenue = {{INR}} 1,940.23 crores (2022-23)
| website = {{url|https://www.krishnapatnamport.com/|krishnapatnamport.com}}<br />
{{url|https://adaniports.com|adaniports.com}}
}}
'''Krishnapatnam Port''' popularly known as KPCL is a privately built and owned all weather, [[deep water port]] on the east coast of [[India]], located in the [[Nellore District]] of [[Andhra Pradesh]]. It is located about 190 km north of the [[Chennai Port]] and 18 km east of the city of [[Nellore]].<ref name="thehindu">{{cite news|title=Chennai port loses out to new facility|url=http://www.thehindu.com/business/chennai-port-loses-out-to-new-facility/article3512758.ece|accessdate=22 November 2012|newspaper=The Hindu|date=11 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=FOCUS: NELLORE DISTRICT|journal=Frontline|date=9–22 February 2013|volume=30|issue=3|url=http://www.frontlineonnet.com/stories/20130222300310400.htm|accessdate=17 February 2013}}</ref> The port was owned and operated by the Krishnapatnam Port Company Limited (KPCL) which was 92% owned by [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]]-based CVR Group. The [[London]]-based equity firm [[3i]] owned the remaining 8% equity in KPCL.<ref name="livemint">{{cite news | url=http://www.livemint.com/Companies/VdsFrYdVXQEE8EjB3Nbu6J/New-port-plan-raises-viability-concerns-for-Krishnapatnam-Po.html | title=New port plan raises viability concerns for Krishnapatnam | date=20 November 2012 | accessdate=22 November 2012}}</ref>

In October 2020, [[Adani Ports & SEZ]] acquired 75% stake in the port, which increased to 100% in April 2021 with [[Adani Group]] buying the residual 25% stake.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Adani Ports increases its ownership from 75% to 100% in Krishnapatnam Port by acquiring Vishwasamudra Holdings' 25% stake for Rs. 2,800 Crs.|url=https://www.adaniports.com/Newsroom/Media-Releases/Adani-Ports-increases-its-ownership-from-75-to-100-in-Krishnapatnam-Port|access-date=2021-04-12|website=www.adaniports.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Adani group takes full control of Krishnapatnam port in Andhra Pradesh|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2021/apr/06/adani-group-takesfull-control-of-krishnapatnam-port-in-andhra-pradesh-2286279.html|access-date=2021-04-12|website=The New Indian Express|date=6 April 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Adani Ports acquires residual 25% stake in Krishnapatnam Port for Rs 2,800 crore|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/companies/article/adani-ports-acquires-residual-25-stake-in-krishnapatnam-port-for-rs-2800-crore/741191|access-date=2021-04-12|website=www.timesnownews.com|date=5 April 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Adani Ports to acquire 25% of Vishwasamudra Holdings' stake in Krishnapatnam Port|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/adani-ports-acquire-25-of-vishwasamudra-holdings-stake-in-krishnapatnam-port|access-date=2021-04-12|website=Free Press Journal|language=en}}</ref>

[[File:Kolos Krishnapatnam.jpg|thumb|right|260px|KPCL breakwater with [[KOLOS]] armour units]]

== Etymology ==
The port has its history back to [[Vijayanagar Emperor]], when [[Sri Krishnadevaraya]] used to operate it. So, the name was given to it as ''Krishnapatnam Port''.<ref name=info>{{cite web|title=About The Port|url=http://www.kpcl.com/about_port.html|publisher=Krishnapatnam Port|accessdate=8 June 2015|archive-date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207083320/http://kpcl.com/about_port.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is also known as KPCL.

== Establishment and promoters ==
[[File:Krishnapatnam port.JPG|thumbnail|Krishnapatnam Port (KPCL)]]

It was inaugurated on 17 July 2008 by the [[United Progressive Alliance|UPA]] Chairperson [[Sonia Gandhi]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Andhra to get new port in Krishnapatnam|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2008-07-11/news/27736625_1_krishnapatnam-port-navayuga-group-land-acquisition|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305141704/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2008-07-11/news/27736625_1_krishnapatnam-port-navayuga-group-land-acquisition|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 March 2016|accessdate=22 November 2012|newspaper=Economic Times|date=11 July 2008}}</ref> The port was built by the [[Navayuga Engineering Company Limited]], the flagship concern of the CVR Group, under a build-operate-share-transfer (BOST) agreement with the [[Government of Andhra Pradesh]]. The port covers an area of 4,553 acres.<ref name="livemint_a" /> The BOST agreement, valid for 30 years and further extendable to 50 years, requires the promoters to pay 2.6% of the port's gross revenue to the Government of Andhra Pradesh for the first 30 years. From the 30th year, that share increases to 5.4% and from the 40th year to 10.8%.<ref>{{cite web|title=Krishnapatnam Port plans to set up car terminal by Jun 2013|date=20 November 2012 |url=http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/wire-news/krishnapatnam-port-plans-to-setcar-terminal-by-jun-2013_785133.html|accessdate=22 November 2012}}</ref> The agreement also requires them to develop the port in three phases with the first phase being completed by January 2008, the second phase by 2012 and the final by 2017.<ref>{{cite news|title=Krishnapatnam port to give fillip to ore exports|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2005-10-17/news/27471908_1_ore-krishnapatnam-first-phase|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305035540/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2005-10-17/news/27471908_1_ore-krishnapatnam-first-phase|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 March 2016|accessdate=22 November 2012|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=17 October 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=3i Fund picks up stake in Krishnapatnam Port for $161 mn|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2009-02-24/news/28445642_1_port-sector-landlord-port-model-krishnapatnam-port|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107092219/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2009-02-24/news/28445642_1_port-sector-landlord-port-model-krishnapatnam-port|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 January 2014|accessdate=22 November 2012|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=24 February 2009}}</ref>

== Connectivity and hinterland ==
As of 2015, KPCL is capable of handling 7.5 [[crore]] (75 million) tonnes (mt) of cargo per annum and is the second deepest port of India with a draft of 18 metres .<ref name="livemint" /> The hinterland of the port includes southern and central [[Andhra Pradesh]], eastern [[Karnataka]], northern [[Tamil Nadu]] and Eastern [[Maharashtra]]. The port is linked to the [[Chennai]]–[[Kolkata]] rail line through a 19 km long line and is also connected with the [[National Highway 16 (India)]] which is being upgraded from a four-lane to a six-lane highway.<ref name="thehindu" />

== Phases of development ==
The first phase of development of the port involved an expenditure of {{INR}}1,400 crores and was completed in 2009. In this phase the Port developed an annual cargo handling capacity of 2.5 crore tonnes (25 mt).<ref name="livemint_a">{{cite news | url=http://www.livemint.com/Politics/hHCz1aVX5qggS96BX9XElI/Krishnapatnam-Port-gets-Rs4000-cr-for-next-phase.html | title=Krishnapatnam Port gets Rs4,000 cr for next phase | date=18 March 2009 | accessdate=22 November 2012}}</ref> Two mechanised Iron Ore Berths, a mechanised Coal Berth and a mechanised General Cargo Berth were set up in this phase. The second phase of the Port's development entails an investment of $2 billion and the enhancement of cargo handling capacity by 4 crore tonnes (40 mt). By 2017, when the Port is fully developed, it is expected to handle 20 crore tonnes (200 mt) of cargo annually. The second phase of expansion will increase the total berths to twelve of which half will handle coal with the rest handling general, bulk and container cargo. The draft of the port is also to be enhanced from the present 18 metres to 21 metres.<ref name="livemint_a" /><ref>{{cite news | url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-09-27/news/34127483_1_krishnapatnam-port-cvr-group-teus | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001060244/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-09-27/news/34127483_1_krishnapatnam-port-cvr-group-teus | url-status=dead | archive-date=1 October 2012 | title=Krishnapatnam Port begins operations; to invest $2 billion in 2nd phase | date=27 September 2012 | accessdate=22 November 2012}}</ref>

== Container terminal ==
In September 2012, the KPCL inaugurated its [[container terminal]] capable of handling 12 [[lakh]] standard containers a year. This terminal is equipped with 5 [[Panamax]] [[gantry crane]]s, and 9 RTGC [[rubber tyre gantry cranes]] overall two berths length of 725 metres and a channel depth of 13.5m allowing large vessels carrying up to 8,000 containers to dock. The second phase of its development will involve the investment of {{INR}}11,000 crores and the expansion of capacity by another 48 lakh tonnes (4.8 mt). KPCL has entered into an agreement with [[Container Corporation of India|Container Corporation of India (CONCOR)]] to develop a container freight station at the port and inland container depots in the hinterland to facilitate trade through the port.<ref>{{cite news|title=Krishnapatnam Port ties up with CONCOR|url=http://www.thehindu.com/business/companies/article2161737.ece|accessdate=22 November 2012|newspaper=The Hindu|date=5 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/krishnapatnam-to-singapore-feeder-service-begins/article3942009.ece | title=Krishnapatnam to Singapore feeder service begins | date=27 September 2012 | accessdate=22 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.livemint.com/Companies/pBxv8LwuJF4RmhXZsOpbiP/Krishnapatnam-Port-starts-operating-container-terminal.html | title=Krishnapatnam Port starts operating container terminal | date=27 September 2012 | accessdate=22 November 2012}}</ref>

Krishnapatnam port terminal set to emerge as a major trans-shipment hub on the East Coast following dynamic initiatives being taken up by some international shipping container liners.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/krishnapatnam-port-terminal-set-to-emerge-as-a-hub/article17415937.ece | title=Krishnapatnam port terminal set to emerge as a hub | date=6 March 2017| accessdate=6 March 2017}}</ref>

== Cargo handled ==
When the port was inaugurated in 2008, iron ore constituted its most important cargo which peaked at 10.5 million tonnes in 2009-'10. Since the ban on export of iron ore from the [[Bellary]]-[[Hospet]] region of Karnataka, its shipments have dwindled forcing the port to diversify its portfolio. Coal is now the primary commodity handled by the port, its volume having expanded from less than 1,00,000 tonnes in 2008-09 to 1.13 crore tonnes (11.3 mt) in 2011-12.

The port now also plans to handle [[liquefied natural gas]] cargo, cars meant for exports, edible oils and fertilisers.<ref name="livemint" /> During 2012-13, the port handled 2.12 crore tonnes (21.2 mt) of cargo, of which three-fourths comprised imported coal. The Port handled 25.16 MT during the year 2013-14 against the target of 28 MT. The port registers very impressive growth of 60% for the year 2014-15 and ended up handling total cargo of ~4.1 crore tonnes (40.72 mt) up from 2.5 crore tonnes (25.16 MT) in the previous year.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/chennai-port-on-revival-path/article7061866.ece|title=Chennai Port Trust revival path profit|author=N. Anand|work=The Hindu|date=2 April 2015 }}</ref>

== Special economic zone ==
A 12,000 acre [[Special Economic Zone]] (SEZ) is being set up in the vicinity of the port by the Krishnapatnam Infratech Private Limited, a special purpose vehicle set up by KPCL. The SEZ entails an investment of {{INR}}6,000 crores and is expected to create 30,000 direct employments.<ref>{{cite news|title=Krishnapatnam Port plans SEZ|url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/krishnapatnam-port-plans-sez/387203/|accessdate=22 November 2012|newspaper=Business Standard|date=2 March 2010}}</ref> The SEZ is being designed by Mahindra Engineering and is to be a multi-product SEZ.<ref>{{cite web|title=Krishnapatnam Infratech Private Limited|url=http://www.kpil.in/|accessdate=22 November 2012}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Adani Ports & SEZ]]
* [[Adani Group]]
* [[KOLOS]]
* [[Navayuga Engineering Company Limited]]
* [[ Vizhinjam International Seaport Thiruvananthapuram]]

== External links ==
* [http://www.kpil.in/ Krishnapatnam Infratech Private Limited]
* [http://www.kpcl.com Krishnapatnam Port Company Limited - KPCL]

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{commons category}}

{{Adani Group}}
{{Ports in Andhra Pradesh}}
{{Hydrography of Andhra Pradesh}}

[[Category:Ports and harbours of Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Nellore district]]
[[Category:Transport in Nellore district]]
[[Category:Navayuga Group]]
[[Category:2008 establishments in Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Infrastructure completed in 2008]]
[[Category:Transport infrastructure completed in 2008]]
[[Category:Adani Ports]]

Krishnapatnam Port - Revision history

Thefacecentre at 07:39, 8 February 2026