New Mangalore Port sets record with highest-ever monthly container throughput

MANGALURU : In a significant boost to India’s maritime logistics performance, the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) has achieved a record-breaking monthly container handling milestone. In partnership with JSW Mangalore Container Terminal Pvt. Ltd. (JSW MCTPL), the port handled 21,425 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in July 2025, surpassing its previous high of 20,479 TEUs set in July 2023.

This landmark achievement underscores the growing importance of New Mangalore Port as a critical gateway for container traffic on India’s western coast, reflecting sustained growth in both infrastructure and operational efficiency.

“This milestone is a testament to the collaborative spirit, relentless focus on innovation, and executional excellence demonstrated by both the Port and Terminal teams,” said the Chairman of NMPA, who congratulated the staff and officials of JSW MCTPL for their joint success.

Operational Excellence Behind the Milestone

The all-time high throughput was driven by several strategic and technological initiatives, including:

• Aggressive business development and cargo diversification
• Fixed-window vessel planning to improve predictability and berthing efficiency
• Reduced vessel turnaround time (TRT) through streamlined port operations
• Deployment of RFID and Facial Recognition System (FRS)-based automated gates
• Commissioning of automated weighbridge systems for faster cargo movement

These efforts have significantly enhanced the port’s service reliability, aligning with India’s larger goal of becoming a global logistics hub under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.

Growing Role in India’s Maritime Trade

Strategically located in Karnataka, New Mangalore Port has increasingly positioned itself as a key enabler for containerized exports and imports in the region. With rising private sector participation through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), such as the one with JSW MCTPL, the port has demonstrated the benefits of infrastructure modernization and seamless port-terminal coordination.

As India pushes for greater efficiency and self-reliance in port logistics, NMPA’s achievement represents a step forward in enhancing throughput capacity and operational agility across the country’s port ecosystem.