Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Apr 2: The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) has achieved a major milestone by handling 50.04 million tonnes (MMT) of cargo during its golden jubilee financial year, exceeding the 48.5 MMT target set by the ministry of ports, shipping and waterways, deputy chairperson S Shanthi said.

Shanthi was speaking at a seminar on ‘Maritime Adversities and the Role of Stakeholders’ and the “Indian Port Act 2025,” organised by NMPA on Wednesday.

She said the increase in cargo handling strengthens the port’s status as a fast-growing maritime gateway, contributing significantly to India’s trade and economic growth.

Detailing upcoming projects, Shanthi said the redevelopment of Berth No 9 for liquid bulk cargo will improve draft levels and increase handling capacity to 10.5 MMT.

She added that Berth No 13 is proposed for allocation to captive users, which is expected to ease congestion at the port, while the long-pending Berth No 17 project will soon be put out to tender.

Shanthi also noted that eight key maritime infrastructure projects have been initiated recently. Among them, a dedicated cruise terminal gate for international passengers and a 150-bed hospital have already been completed, she said.

Highlighting NMPA’s green initiatives, Shanthi said the port is implementing Harit Sagar guidelines to reduce carbon emissions by 2030.

“A 4 MW solar power plant has already been installed as part of our efforts towards energy self-sufficiency,” she added.

In addition, digital platforms such as Sagar Samriddhi, Sagar Manthan and the Sagar Setu app are being used to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.

The seminar also featured discussions on maritime challenges, regulatory changes, and stakeholder roles, with inputs from Capt L K Panda, former nautical adviser to the government of India, and Capt Anand W Karkare, former deputy conservator of Mumbai Port Authority.