APM Terminals Pipavav Signs Key Contracts for Liquid Cargo Jetty Development
In a major step towards bolstering Gujarat’s maritime infrastructure, APM Terminals Pipavav has formalised two landmark contracts for the development of a dedicated Liquid Cargo Jetty — Berth 6 — at Pipavav Port. The move follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier this year during the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024, marking the beginning of a project that is expected to significantly boost the state’s cargo handling capabilities.
The signing ceremony took place at GIFT City, Gandhinagar, in the presence of Shri Rajkumar Beniwal, IAS, Vice Chairman & CEO of the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB). The event brought together senior representatives from APM Terminals Pipavav, project partners, and government officials, underlining the strategic importance of the development for the region’s maritime sector.
Under the agreements, L&T Geostructure Pvt. Ltd. will be responsible for the construction of the jetty infrastructure, while Van Oord India Pvt. Ltd. will handle dredging and reclamation works. Both companies are leaders in their respective fields, with extensive experience in executing complex marine projects in India and abroad.
Speaking at the signing, Shri Rajkumar Beniwal highlighted Gujarat’s position as India’s maritime leader. “With more than 1,600 km of coastline, Gujarat handles a substantial share of the country’s cargo traffic. Projects like the Liquid Cargo Jetty at Pipavav not only enhance capacity but also reinforce our commitment to providing world-class port infrastructure that can compete globally,” he said.
Boosting Cargo Handling and Trade Efficiency
The new facility at Berth 6 is designed to handle a variety of liquid cargo, ranging from petroleum products and chemicals to edible oils. Once operational, it is expected to greatly improve the port’s efficiency in managing bulk liquid shipments. This will, in turn, support a wide range of industries, including energy, manufacturing, and food processing.
Industry experts believe that the dedicated liquid cargo jetty will help decongest existing facilities and provide a faster turnaround for vessels. The specialised infrastructure, combined with deeper drafts through dredging works, will enable the handling of larger tankers, thus improving economies of scale for shippers.
Strengthening Pipavav’s Strategic Role
Pipavav Port, one of India’s first private ports, already plays a vital role in facilitating trade along the western coast. Situated strategically between Mumbai and Kandla, it serves as a crucial gateway for imports and exports, particularly for cargo destined for northern and western India.
The development of Berth 6 is expected to further elevate Pipavav’s role as a hub for liquid cargo trade. By adding a dedicated facility, the port will diversify its capabilities beyond container, bulk, and roll-on/roll-off cargo handling, positioning itself as a multi-cargo port capable of meeting the evolving needs of the shipping industry.
Economic and Regional Impact
According to APM Terminals Pipavav, the project will have a significant economic impact on the surrounding region. During the construction phase, it will generate employment opportunities in engineering, construction, logistics, and allied services. Once operational, the facility will attract more cargo volumes to Gujarat, boosting ancillary industries such as warehousing, transportation, and supply chain management.
The company also emphasised its commitment to environmental standards and safety protocols in executing the project. Both L&T Geostructure and Van Oord are expected to deploy advanced technologies to ensure minimal environmental impact during construction and dredging.
A Step Aligned with Gujarat’s Maritime Vision
The Liquid Cargo Jetty project aligns with Gujarat’s broader vision of strengthening its maritime infrastructure, as outlined in the state’s port policy. Over the past decade, Gujarat has consistently invested in expanding port capacities, modernising cargo handling facilities, and improving connectivity to hinterland markets.
By attracting large-scale investments and fostering public-private partnerships, the state aims to consolidate its leadership in India’s maritime trade and contribute to the country’s aspiration of becoming a global shipping hub.
Statements from APM Terminals Pipavav
A spokesperson for APM Terminals Pipavav expressed optimism about the project’s transformative potential. “The signing of these contracts marks a significant milestone in our growth journey. The dedicated liquid cargo jetty will allow us to serve our customers better, with enhanced capacity, faster vessel turnaround, and improved operational reliability. This investment reaffirms our commitment to supporting India’s trade growth through modern, sustainable port facilities.”
Looking Ahead
Construction activities for Berth 6 are expected to commence shortly, with the project progressing in phases over the next couple of years. Once completed, it will be among the most advanced liquid cargo handling facilities on India’s west coast, setting new benchmarks in efficiency, safety, and environmental responsibility.
For Gujarat, the development is more than just a port expansion — it is a tangible step towards long-term economic resilience. By strengthening the maritime sector, the state is not only facilitating trade but also fostering industrial growth, job creation, and regional prosperity.
As the Liquid Cargo Jetty at Pipavav moves from blueprint to reality, stakeholders across the shipping, logistics, and industrial sectors will be watching closely — aware that its successful completion could redefine liquid cargo handling in the region for decades to come.
Author: shipping inbox
shipping and maritime related web portal
