Can you provide an overview of Kandla Port’s current cargo profile?
Kandla Port is one of India’s premier ports, strategically located near the international trade lanes connecting Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Last year, the Port handled an impressive 132 million tons of cargo. Currently, our cargo profile is dominated by liquid cargo, which constitutes 50-55 per cent of the total, followed by dry bulk and break bulk at 40-45 per cent, while containerized
cargo makes up about 5 per cent. This distribution highlights our versatility in handling various commodities, including crude oil, chemicals, edible oil, coal, and wind turbine components.
To meet growing demands and evolving trade patterns, we have several infrastructure projects underway. For instance, a state-of-the-art container terminal is being developed at Tuna Tekra by DP World, with a capacity of 2.19 million TEUs, which will add approximately 32 million tons of annual tonnage capacity. Such advancements ensure that Kandla Port remains a critical gateway for India’s trade.
What steps are being taken to enhance container handling capabilities at Kandla Port?
We are aggressively expanding our container handling infrastructure to increase our market share in containerized cargo. Currently, container traffic at Kandla is limited due to constraints like draft limitations, with only 14.5 meters available in the navigation channel.
To address this, the new Tuna Tekra container terminal will provide an 18-meter draft, enabling the port to handle mega container vessels of up to 24,000 TEUs.
Additionally, we are working on mechanization and modernization of existing facilities. The berth adjacent to JM Baxi’s terminal has been allotted to APSEZ to develop it into a clean cargo berth that can also handle containers. Beyond infrastructure, we are engaging with shipping lines and inland container depots (ICDs) to enhance connectivity and streamline operations. Measures like rebates on vessel-related charges, dedicated gates for unhindered movement, and user-friendly digital platforms are also being implemented.
How is Kandla Port preparing for the energy transition and the increasing demand for green fuels?
Kandla Port is positioning itself as a leader in the green energy revolution. We have allocated 3,400 acres of land to major players such as L&T and Reliance for the production of green hydrogen and its derivatives. By 2030, the region aims to produce 5-6 million tons of green ammonia annually, primarily for export to Europe.
To support this, we are developing infrastructure compatible with green fuels, including jetties designed for methanol and green ammonia handling. Our collaboration with the Rotterdam and Singapore Port
Authorities and organizations like the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonization is helping us align with international standards for green corridors. The goal is to make Kandla a pivotal hub for green methanol bunkering along the SingaporeRotterdam corridor, facilitating a lowcarbon future for maritime trade.
What initiatives are being taken to alleviate congestion and reduce vessel waiting time?
Vessel congestion is a critical challenge, especially for liquid cargo vessels, which currently face wait times of up to 7 days. To address this, we are augmenting our oil-handling capacity with three new oil jetties, which will add 10.3 million tonnes per annum in capacity. These will complement the eight existing oil jetties and three Single Point Moorings (SPMs) at Vadinar.
We are also undertaking a transformative project to shift dry bulk and break-bulk cargo handling outside the creek area. A new 6-kilometer-long quay, costing approximately Rs 27,000 crores, is being planned near Tuna.
This will free up existing jetties within the creek for liquid cargo, significantly reducing wait times and logistical costs. Such measures demonstrate our commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
How does Kandla Port plan to accommodate the projected increase in cargo volumes?
By 2030, we anticipate our cargo handling capacity to exceed 500 million tons per annum, up from the current 267 million tonnes. This growth will be driven by several strategic initiatives like:
Capacity Expansion – Projects like the Tuna Tekra container terminal and additional oil jetties are pivotal to our capacity-building efforts.
Modernization – Existing infrastructure is being upgraded with advanced handling equipment and deeper drafts to accommodate larger vessels.
Connectivity Enhancements – Improved Road and rail linkages, including the DFC, will facilitate seamless cargo movement.
Sustainability – We are incorporating green fuels and sustainable practices into our operations to align with global trade demands.
These efforts position Kandla Port as a future-ready hub capable of meeting the evolving needs of global commerce.
What is your immediate agenda for the Port’s development in 2025?
Our immediate agenda revolves around achieving “Mission 150,” targeting the handling of 150 million tonnes of cargo this fiscal year. Key priorities include: streamlining gate operations to handle the daily influx of over 12,000 trucks; introducing low-cost, frugal technologies for faster loading and unloading, particularly for bagged consignments; expanding mechanization at existing terminals to enhance productivity; and implementing innovative practices, such as dual-side vessel handling, to reduce turnaround times. These initiatives, combined with continuous user engagement and feedback, will drive efficiency and growth, ensuring we remain a top performer among India’s major ports.
How does Kandla Port’s operational efficiency compare with other major Ports in India?
Despite operating with one of the leanest manpower structures and some of the oldest infrastructure among major ports, Kandla Port boasts an impressive operating ratio of 39 per cent. This reflects our cost-effective operations and revenue-generating capabilities.
In terms of growth, we are leading among Indian ports, with a 9.88 per cent increase in cargo volumes last year. This is significantly higher than the national average of 2.5-3.5 per cent. Our focus on technology-driven solutions, user-centric policies, and continuous modernization ensures we remain at the forefront of India’s maritime sector.
In conclusion, what message would you like to convey to stakeholders and potential investors in Kandla Port?
Kandla Port is a vibrant, dynamic, and future-ready gateway for trade, offering unparalleled opportunities for stakeholders and investors.
With a strategic location, robust infrastructure, and a forward-looking approach to sustainability and modernization, we are well-positioned to drive India’s trade growth.
I invite stakeholders to collaborate with us in shaping the future of maritime trade. Whether it’s in green energy, containerization, or logistics, Kandla Port offers immense potential to create value and make a lasting impact on the global trade landscape.
