As RINL Faces Severe Coal Crisis – Management’s Swift Action To Ensure Uninterrupted Coal Supply To Ensure Safe Operations At Steel Plant – Indian PSU
Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) has embarked on a relentless mission to secure the crucial raw material of coal, which is essential for its safe and sustained operations, amidst severe disruptions stemming from the agitation by workers at Adani Gangavaram Port Limited.
The recent agitation by workers at Adani Gangavaram Port Limited has totally disrupted coal supply, posing a formidable challenge to RINL’s production.. However, undeterred by the obstacles, RINL’s management has launched a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the impact of the disruptions and uphold operational continuity.
Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Steel, faces a critical situation as operations at M/s. Adani Gangavaram Port Limited (AGPL) remain halted since 12.04.2024 morning. RINL is heavily reliant on AGPL’s services for handling imported raw materials, including coking coal and limestone, vital for its production processes.
Adding to the urgency, there are two vessels carrying a total of approximately 1,50,000 tons which arrived at AGPL are awaiting berthing instructions. The materials on board these vessels are urgently required at the RINL Plant to maintain production continuity.
Any further delay in berthing of the vessel and transfer of the cargo will further jeopardize the production at RINL bringing the units to a grinding halt.
In view of the extreme criticality of the situation, RINL has sought the help of the District administration to restore operations at AGPL without delay to ensure safe and sustained operations/production at RINL and also to help RINL in shifting approximately 2.2 lakh tons of Coal which is already in AGPL.
The district administration has responded positively to RINL’s request and in engaging with the stakeholder for restoration of operation/transfer of Coking Coal from AGPL to RINL.
As part of finding alternate ways/solution to ensure safe operations at RINL, keeping in view of the ongoing strike at AGPL, RINL management the following steps are being taken:
- Diversion of 2 ships to Vizag Port to ensure raw material security with the able support of Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA)
- A commodity loan of 50, 000 tons of Coal from alternate Ports
- A Global tender for emergency procurement of 1,50,000 tons of Coal
“Safeguarding the uninterrupted flow of raw materials is paramount to RINL’s operational integrity,” remarked Shri Atul Bhatt, CMD, RINL. “In light of the disruptions at Adani Gangavaram Port Limited, we have intensified our efforts to explore alternative avenues and secure the much-needed coal.”
The management’s dedication to finding viable solutions exemplifies RINL’s unwavering commitment to technological discipline and operational safety.
“We understand the critical importance of coal supply to our operations and remain fully committed to ensuring the safety of our critical equipment,” affirmed Shri Atul Bhatt, CMD, RINL. “The resilience and determination of RINL’s workforce are evident in our steadfast pursuit of solutions to overcome this challenging situation.”
“I am sure that with the above initiatives, RINL is poised to rebound to a state of normalcy swiftly”, he added.
Amidst the turmoil, RINL remains steadfast in its resolve to fulfill its obligations to customers, stakeholders, and the community at large. The company’s proactive stance and collaborative spirit serve as a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence, even in the face of adversity.
Shri Atul Bhatt, CMD RINL conveyed immense gratitude to the Union Steel Minister, Steel Ministry officials, the Visakhapatnam District Collector, the Commissioner of Police, and the Visakhapatnam Police for their unwavering guidance and steadfast support in resolving the coal crisis of RINL.
