Nation’s largest container port JNPT planning to host edible oil refinery

Mumbai: The nation’s largest container port JNPT in Navi Mumbai is planning to host an edible oil refinery to maximize revenue and ensure captive cargo. According to the acting chairman of JNPT, Neeraj Bansal, the state-run port already has a liquid cargo terminal in addition to the four container terminals off the city’s east coast.

He said the port has received an expression of interest from edible oil players for setting up a refinery on our land, adding that it is a good way to earn revenue by giving out our land for the same. He said the land will be leased out on a long-term basis and it will also be beneficial for the port as it will give it captive cargo.

The raw material for the refinery will be imported from abroad and a considerable part of the finished products will be sent out through the sea, Bansal said, pointing to the cargo possibilities that come along with a port. Port sources said a six-acre plot has already been identified for the refinery project.

Port sources said that a six-acre plot had already been identified for the refinery project.

Bansal said that the port was also investing Rs 310 crore for extending the liquid cargo tank farm which would incre-ase its capacity to 4.5 mtpa. The port is also coming up with a tender this week to bid out large land parcels at the adjoining SEZ, he said.