India's major ports handle record 795 million tonnes of cargo, post 10.4% growth

Speaking at FICCI’s Port Infrastructure Conclave in New Delhi on Wednesday, union minister of ports, shipping and waterways and AYUSH, Sarbananda Sonowal said the ports achieved the highest-ever output per day of 17,239 tonnes in FY23, marking a 6 per cent increase compared to last year. 

The ports also reported another significant accomplishment with the best-ever operating ratio of 48.54 per cent. 

Sonowal said the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) set a new benchmark by handling over 6 million TEUs, reflecting the highest container throughput. He said the major ports recorded their highest-ever number of vessels handled, reaching a total of 21,846 vessels in the year.

The minister noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister  Narendra Modi the Indian shipping industry has witnessed a remarkable increase in the number of ships, gross tonnage, and seafarers employed. He said the fleet of ships sailing under the Indian flag has expanded from 1,205 in 2014 to 1,526 by 2023, showcasing the country's commitment to strengthening its maritime presence. This growth has been accompanied by a significant rise in gross tonnage, which increased from 10.3 million tonnes in 2014 to 13.7 million tonnes in 2023, reflecting the enhanced capacity and scale of operations. Furthermore, he said, the number of Indian seafarers has grown from 1,17,090 in 2014 to 2,50,071 in 2022, recording an increase of almost 114 per cent  in the nine-year period.

Sonowal noted that India's progress in developing state-of-the-art port infrastructure and outlined future plans for the maritime sector. He also pointed out that 95 per cent of India's trading by volume and 70 per cent by value is done through maritime transportation. For smooth and efficient trading, most-modern and advanced port infrastructure is of paramount importance."

He emphasised the importance of incorporating technology into port operations, stating that "smart ports are the future, and we are already making significant strides towards this goal." By leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence, India aims to optimise port operations and boost efficiency. He alluded to recent digital initiatives such as the NLP-Marine and Sagar-Setu app, geared towards bringing all stakeholders onto a single platform, reducing logistical costs and time, and improving overall efficiency. Additionally, major ports are embracing automation, with the installation of gate automation, enterprise business solutions, and container scanners, he said.

Sonowal said that major ports are now under development to become hydrogen hubs for handling, storage, and transportation of green hydrogen. Deendayal, Paradip, and V.O. Chidambaranar ports have already begun developing the necessary infrastructure for hydrogen bunkering, he said.

Dhruv Kotak, chairman, ports and shipping, FICCI Committee for Transport Infrastructure, lauded the government for its commitment to sustainability and green port initiatives. He noted that the Green Port Policy aims to transform the port ecosystem by focusing on emission management across scope one, scope two, and scope three emissions. 

Sonowal also launched the FICCI-Crisil Knowledge Paper on 'Smart, Safe & Sustainable Ports.' The Knowledge Paper delves into the key elements that contribute to the creation of smart, safe, and sustainable ports. It offers a comprehensive overview of the latest technological advancements, operational best practices, and sustainability initiatives that port operators can adopt to optimise port efficiency and minimise environmental impact.