Advertisement
When should a housing society in Mumbai start considering re...
From GST on JDAs to SEBI’s REIT reclassification and the S...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
Mormugao Port Authority has approached the central government for around INR 1,300 crore to fund key infrastructure upgrades at the port. The plan includes redeveloping the unused Berth 9 into a modern multi-cargo facility and deepening the approach channel and berth pockets to allow larger vessels. A proposal worth about INR 750 crore for the berth upgrade has already been submitted, while a separate dredging proposal is being readied. The port has sought full funding support, citing limited internal resources.
Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) has moved the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways seeking financial support of nearly INR 1,300 crore for major infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving capacity and vessel handling at the port. The proposed funding covers redevelopment of Berth 9 and deepening of the port's navigational channel and select berth pockets. Advertisement
MPA has already submitted a proposal of around INR 750 crore for redeveloping Berth 9, which is currently non-operational and remains the only berth at the port that has not been leased out to private operators. The authority plans to convert it into a 350-metre multi-cargo berth equipped with shore power facilities, which would allow ships to switch off engines while docked and help reduce emissions.
Alongside the berth redevelopment, MPA is preparing a separate proposal for capital dredging of the approach channel and at least four berth pockets. At present, the channel depth stands at about 14.4 metres, which restricts the size of vessels that can call at the port. The authority plans to deepen the approach channel to around 19.8 metres and increase berth pocket depth to about 19.5 metres to accommodate larger capesize vessels.
Port officials have explained that Panamax vessels currently calling at Mormugao typically have a deadweight tonnage of 70,000 to 80,000 tonnes but are unable to load to full capacity due to draft limitations. Increasing the depth is expected to allow ships to carry higher cargo volumes, improve operational efficiency, and reduce freight costs per tonne.
MPA has requested the central government to consider full funding for both projects. Under the Sagarmala programme, funding support is generally limited to 50 per cent of project cost. However, the authority has highlighted that as a relatively small port with limited revenue generation, raising the remaining amount internally would be challenging.
The proposed upgrades are also aligned with Mormugao's broader efforts to diversify beyond its traditional dependence on iron ore and attract multi-cargo traffic. The port has already secured environmental clearances for channel deepening and has been positioning itself as a cleaner and more efficient maritime gateway on the west coast. The dredging proposal is expected to be submitted to the Centre in the coming months.
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
