India’s Major Ports lead in Coastal Cargo handling

NEW DELHI : A recent analysis reveals that India’s Major Ports have emerged as leaders in handling coastal cargo, outperforming non-major and private ports in this crucial sector of maritime logistics. Coastal cargo refers to goods transported between ports within the country, playing a vital role in supporting domestic trade and industrial operations.

In FY24, the major ports handled 817.98 mt of cargo of which EXIM cargo was 630.76 mt, accounting for a 77.11 percent share whereas coastal cargo was 187.22 mt with a 22.89 percent share.

In comparison, the non-major ports handled 721.05 mt of cargo in FY24 with overseas cargo accounting for 584.09 mt (81.01 percent share) while coastal cargo was 136.96 mt (18.99 percent share), the data showed.

The data underscores the dominance of major ports in facilitating efficient coastal shipping, driven by their extensive infrastructure, operational efficiencies, and strategic locations. These ports have consistently managed a larger share of coastal cargo traffic, showcasing their capability to handle significant volumes and meet the growing demands of maritime trade.

The leadership of major ports in coastal cargo handling not only enhances logistics efficiency but also contributes to reducing transportation costs and easing congestion on road networks. It aligns with India’s strategic efforts to promote modal shift towards more sustainable and cost-effective transportation modes, such as sea routes.

As India continues to expand its port capacities and modernise infrastructure, the role of major ports in coastal cargo management is expected to further strengthen. This trend is crucial for bolstering trade facilitation, supporting economic growth, and enhancing competitiveness in the global maritime landscape.