Page 20 - ITLN January - February 2024 Issue for the Website

Report
Shipping

persistent challenges that could impede
their development and hinder the PORT-WISE
nation's trade objectives. Issues such SHARE OF
as congestion, outdated equipment, CARGO
and limited connectivity to inland areas HANDLED
disrupt the smooth flow of goods. DURING
Complicated procedures and a shortage APRIL-DEC,
of skilled workers contribute to delays. 2023-24
Moreover, India faces stiff competition
from neighboring countries,
particularly China, which boasts
advanced port infrastructure. Shifting
trade dynamics and geopolitical
uncertainties further add complexity,
necessitating flexibility, and resilience
in navigating these obstacles.
For India to boost its ports and
make them thriving trade centers,
bold actions are needed. This includes (6.1%), Kamarajar Port (5.5%), NMPA and coal cargo, is another prominent
investing in infrastructure to improve (5.5%), VOC Port (5.0%), Cochin Port player investing in port expansions and
channels, expand berths, and introduce (4.4%), Mormugao Port (2.4%), and automation. DP World, a global port
automation. Digitalising procedures SMP Kolkata (2.1%) during April- operator, has injected international
and enhancing workforce skills are also December 2023-24. expertise and efficiency into the Indian
vital for increasing efficiency. Moreover, While During April- December port sector through its investments in
expanding storage facilities and forming 2023-24, Mormugao Port recorded multiple ports. In December 2023, Adani
strategic partnerships with neighboring the highest growth of 17.7% in traffic Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd
countries and global players can lead to handled at Major Ports followed by (APSEZ) handled 35.65 MMT of cargo
collaborations and shared prosperity. NMPA (10.7%), SMP Kolkata (9.8%), volumes, resulting in a strong 42%
Despite these hurdles overseas VOC Port (9.3%), Paradip Port (9.0%), year-on-year (YoY) increase, according
cargo handled at Major Ports saw a Vizag Port (8.9%), Cochin Port (6.4%), to the company.
5.5% increase, moving from 443.87 Mumbai Port (6.2%), Chennai Port “APSEZ crossed the 300 MMT
million tonnes in April- (5.7%), SMP Haldia Dock (4.5%), cargo mark in just 266 days versus
December 2022- JNPA (4.4%) and Kamarajar its previous best of 329 days in the
23 to 468.12 Port (2.6%). The previous financial year. This milestone
million tonnes Major Port that only proves that our strategy of driving
in April- recorded negative operational efficiencies to achieve
December traffic growth is industry-leading growth is yielding the
2023-24. Deendayal Port desired results. We are now targeting
Similarly, (5.6 %) during over 400 MMT of cargo volumes in
Coastal Cargo April-December, FY24, surpassing the upper end of the
at Major Ports 2023-24 over April- guidance range (370-390 MMT) provided
witnessed a 3.3% December 2022-23. at the start of the current financial
growth, rising from Indian private year,” said Karan Adani, CEO and Whole
132.24 million tonnes ports also Time Director of APSEZ.
in April-December consistently Over the years, India has witnessed
2022-23 to 136.64 million showcase operational substantial growth in its international
tonnes in April-December 2023- excellence. Adani trade, both in terms of the types of
24, says the report. Ports & SEZ stands as a goods traded and the countries involved.
Amongst the Major Ports, Paradip shining example of private port growth The Indian government is actively
Port handled the maximum Cargo of in India. With a significant presence emphasising the importance of boosting
105.52 million tonnes with a share across major ports and an impressive exports. Simultaneously, efforts are
of 17.4% followed by Deendayal track record of cargo handling, it underway to enhance trade-related
Port (16.3%), JNPA (10.6%), Vizag has emerged as the largest private infrastructure, particularly in the realm
Port (9.9%), Mumbai Port (8.3%), port operator in the country. JSW of transportation, to facilitate more
Chennai Port (6.3%), SMP Haldia Dock Infrastructure, with its focus on steel efficient movement of goods. 
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