India: RINL takes swift action to address coal crisis amid port disruption

Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), under the Ministry of Steel, navigated through a critical phase as disruptions at Adani Gangavaram Port Limited (AGPL) severely impacted coal supplies, vital for its production processes. AGPL's halt in operations since 12 April 2024 posed significant challenges, threatening RINL's operational continuity.

To combat the crisis, RINL's management initiated a proactive strategy to ensure uninterrupted coal supply and maintain safe operations. With the urgent need to handle approximately 1,50,000 tonnes (t) of materials stranded at AGPL, RINL collaborated closely with district administration to expedite the restoration of port operations.

In a bid to secure raw material availability, RINL swiftly implemented several measures:

Diversion of ships to Vizag port: Two vessels were rerouted to Vizag Port, facilitated by the Visakhapatnam Port Authority, to guarantee raw material security.

Commodity loan: RINL obtained a commodity loan of 50,000 t of coal from alternate ports to mitigate immediate shortages.

Global tender: A global tender was initiated for emergency procurement of 1,50,000 t of coal, ensuring a diversified supply chain.

Atul Bhatt, CMD of RINL, emphasised the paramount importance of uninterrupted raw material flow for operational integrity. He acknowledged the dedication of RINL's workforce and their commitment to finding solutions amid adversity. With these initiatives, RINL aimed to swiftly rebound to normalcy, safeguarding its obligations to customers and stakeholders.