India’s Largest Port Achieves Landmark: Mundra Port’s Record-Breaking 16.1 MMT Milestone
In October, Mundra Port, the leading port under APSEZ, achieved a remarkable milestone by handling a record-breaking 16.1 million metric tons (MMT) of cargo, marking the highest volume ever recorded by any port in India. This achievement solidified Mundra Port’s status as the largest port in the country, having handled a total of 102 MMT of cargo on a year-to-date (YTD) basis. This represents an impressive 9 percent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth, showcasing the port’s robust performance.
The port’s success story continued as it surpassed its own record by crossing the 100 MMT mark in just 210 days, beating the previous record of 231 days set in the previous year. Mundra Port experienced significant growth in various sectors, including containers and liquids/gas, with a notable Y-o-Y increase of 10 percent and 14 percent, respectively. In a mere 203 days, the port handled 4.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers, surpassing the previous year’s achievement in 225 days. Moreover, Mundra Port diversified its cargo portfolio by adding new types such as Hydrolysis Pi Gas (HPG). The port’s efficiency was further highlighted as it serviced over 2,480 ships and managed more than 11,500 rakes on a YTD basis.
One of the key factors contributing to Mundra Port’s success is its strategic location, which allows it to offer top-notch facilities to its customers. Its deep draft maintenance capability enables the port to handle large vessels, making it an attractive choice for international shipping companies. In July 2023, Mundra Port achieved a significant feat by accommodating MV MSC Hamburg, one of the largest ships ever to berth at the port. This enormous vessel, measuring 399 meters in length and 54 meters in width, has a carrying capacity of 15,908 TEUs. This accomplishment followed the port’s achievement in 2021 when it berthed the APL Raffles, a Singapore-registered vessel with a capacity of 13,892 TEUs, making it the largest container vessel to call at any Indian port.
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Mundra Port’s strength also lies in its exceptional connectivity with the hinterland, particularly through the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC). The port is well-connected with major rail lines and Inland Container Depots (ICDs), all of which are now capable of handling double stack container trains. Mundra Port witnessed significant improvements in the double stack coefficient, enhancing its efficiency and operational capacity. Notably, the port received the first train from Garhi Harsaru ICD on the newly electrified route and introduced double-stack services from ICD Dadri through WDFC, in addition to the existing ICD Patli.
Looking ahead, Mundra Port has set ambitious targets for the future. With the remarkable growth in cargo volume, the port aims to achieve a throughput of 200 MMT in the financial year 2025. This vision aligns with India’s reliance on maritime trade, with 90 percent of the country’s trade conducted via the maritime route. Mundra Port’s enhanced infrastructure not only ensures superior logistics performance but also drives higher seaborne trade, contributing significantly to India’s economic growth. This progress is a pivotal step towards India’s goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy, emphasizing the port’s crucial role in the nation’s economic development.
Mundra witnessed double-digit growth on a Y-o-Y basis for containers (+10%) and liquids and gas (+14%). It achieved another milestone of handling 4.2 million TEUs of containers in just 203 days, a feat achieved in 225 days in the previous financial year. It added new cargo types such as Hydrolysis Pi Gas (HPG) to its portfolio. On YTD basis, it docked over 2,480 ships and serviced over 11,500 rakes.
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Due to its strategic location, Mundra offers some of the best facilities. Given its capability to maintain deep draft, it is well-equipped to handle large vessels. In July’23, it berthed one of the largest ships ever – MV MSC Hamburg, 399 m long and 54 m wide, with a carrying capacity of 15,908 TEUs and a current reported draught of 12 m. In 2021, it berthed the 13,892 TEU APL Raffles, the largest container vessel to call at any Indian port. The Singapore-registered vessel is 397.88 m long and 51 m broad.
Mudra Port enjoys a strong connectivity with the hinterland, particularly to the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC). All the major rail lines and ICDs connecting Mundra port are now capable of handling double stack container trains. Over the past years, the port has experienced a material improvement in the double stack co-efficient. During the period under consideration, Mundra received the first train from Garhi Harsaru ICD on the newly electrified route as also double-stack services from ICD Dadri through WDFC. These ICDs are in addition to the already existing ICD Patli.
