New Mangalore Port’s Container cargo gets boost

MANGALORE: New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) recorded one of the best performances in container cargo handling in 2022-23 with its handling of 1.65 lakh TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) as against 1.52 lakh TEUs in 2021-22.

Stakeholders from the sector feel that the regular calling of feeder vessels, introduction of a mainline service and efficiency improvement are some of the factors for growth in containercargoatNMPA.

Jeethan Sequeira, Chairman of export-importCelloftradebodyKCCI saidthatmoderninfrastructureatthe integrated container terminal and a dedicated berth for containers have helpedreducethevesselstayatberth from the earlier 48 hours to an average22-30hoursnow.

DirectroutetoJebelAli Sequeira said Mangalore can now boast of a direct Jebel Ali sailing with a transit time of only 7-8 days against the earlier 17-21 days. A direct connection from Bangladesh promises the prospects of pulses to arrive at Mangalore and reach their market hubs in and around Bengaluruinsteadofarrivingatports suchasChennai,TuticorinandNhava Sheva.

Stating that New Mangalore has successfully tapped the traditional cargoes such as reefer, sea food, cashew and coffee, Sequeira said the challenge now remains to tap the huge potential lying in the hinterland regions of Bengaluru, Mysuru, Davangere, Haveri, Hubballi, and northernpartsofKerala.

The hinterland trade can be attracted on assurance of effecting timely shipments of export cargo from Mangalore, prompt onward mainline vessel connections, and also prompt arrivals and evacuation of their import cargoes landing at Mangalore,headded.

In April 2022, JSW Infrastructure operationalised a mechanised containerterminalatNMPA.