Gopalpur port (Orissa-NE India)

Gopalpur is a town near Berhampur, on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. It has an ancient commercial port, now lying in ruins.
Gopalpur-on-Sea is a famous sea beach and tourist attraction. This languorous beach with coconut groves, casuarinas and gentle sand dunes is deserted for miles.

A major landmark of Gopalpur-on-Sea is its lighthouse.

Gopalpur, a natural port of Orissa, is one of the ideally located and topographically suited deep sea ports on the East Coast of India. The mammoth task of developing Gopalpur has been awarded to Sara International Ltd. and Orissa Stevedores Ltd. by the Government of Orissa. At the end of the development project 2010 the port would be capable of handling capesize vessels.

Winds constantly blow along the coast near Gopalpur in March and April; the Southwest Monsoon usually breaks about in the middle of June. Farther N the winds are only occasional.

The currents usually set with the prevailing wind. About the middle of January, the NE current begins and by the middle of February it sets steadily ENE with velocities of 0.5 knot close offshore, and increasing to 1.5 knots about 12 miles offshore. At the latter distance it sets NE.

The NE current continues to run until July and then sets SW, gradually strengthening to a rate of 2 knots and more.

Tel: 263499, 260099
Fax: (91) 6811-263383

During the windy months, April to July, it is recommended that anchorage be taken, in a depth of 16.5m, with ample chain veered. Two hard patches, one 0.8 mile SSE and the other 0.7 mile E of Gopalpur Light, should be avoided when anchoring.

Caution.—Firing practice areas are located NE and SE of Gopalpur, as follows: a. 19°23'N, 85°23'E. b. 19°02'N, 85°25'E.