Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Feb 9: The Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) has unveiled plans to seek nearly Rs 1,300 crore in financial support from the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways for a major redevelopment push, including the modernisation of Berth 9 and deepening of the port’s navigational channel.

MPA has already submitted a proposal seeking around Rs 750 crore to revive and develop Berth 9 — the only berth at the port that has not been privatised. The plan involves converting the currently underutilised berth into a 350-metre-long, state-of-the-art multi-cargo facility equipped with a shore power system to reduce emissions from docked vessels.

“We have placed a proposal before the Central government for the development of Berth 9. It is the only remaining berth with the port and we intend to transform it into a modern multi-cargo facility. We are hopeful the Government of India will approve the project and provide the required funds,” MPA Chairman N. Vinodkumar said.

In addition, the port authority is preparing a second proposal — expected to be submitted within the next few months — for large-scale capital dredging of the harbour’s approach channel and select berths. The plan aims to increase the current draft of 14.4 metres to 19.8 metres in the approach channel and to 19.5 metres at at least four berths.

According to Vinodkumar, the upgrade would position Mormugao among India’s limited number of deep-draft ports, enabling it to handle larger vessels more efficiently. “This will significantly reduce logistics costs and carbon emissions, as bigger ships can transport more cargo in fewer trips,” he said.

At present, Panamax vessels calling at the port have a deadweight tonnage of 70,000 to 80,000 tonnes but cannot operate at full capacity due to draft limitations. Deepening the channel would allow the port to accommodate capesize vessels, substantially increasing cargo volumes while lowering the carbon footprint per tonne of cargo handled.

Citing MPA’s weak financial position and the Sagarmala programme’s cap of 50 per cent central funding, the port authority is seeking full financial support from the Centre for both projects. “For a relatively small port like ours, Rs 1,300 crore is a massive investment. We are not in a position to spend even Rs 600 to Rs 700 crore on our own,” Vinodkumar said.

MPA expects both proposals to be with the Union government within the next three to four months, as it pushes for a transformative upgrade to boost capacity, sustainability, and competitiveness.