Govt Approves Rs 438 Crore Redevelopment Project At New Mangalore Port

The Berth 9 upgrade at the port involves dismantling ageing infrastructure and developing a modern berth to handle crude oil, petroleum products (POL), and LPG. As part of the upgrade, the berth’s draft will be increased from 10.5 metres to 14 metres, with provision for future expansion up to 19.8 metres, enabling the handling of vessels up to 2,00,000 DWT, including Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs). Shipping Minister Sonowal noted that the redevelopment would significantly augment cargo handling capacity and support future energy and trade requirements. With an estimated cost of Rs 438.29 crore, the project will be executed by a private concessionaire selected through a competitive bidding process. It is designed to handle 10.90 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), with a Minimum Guaranteed Cargo (MGC) commitment of 7.63 MTPA by the fifth year. The construction timeline of the project is two years, while the concession period is set at 30 years. The redevelopment is expected to replace nearly five-decade-old infrastructure with modern facilities designed for a structural life of 50 years, improving long-term sustainability and operational resilience. Mechanisation measures, including installation of Marine Unloading Arms (MULAs) and automated mooring systems, are expected to enhance efficiency and reduce turnaround time. Additionally, the project incorporates advanced safety systems such as modern firefighting infrastructure, nitrogen generation systems, and integrated control mechanisms for handling hazardous cargo. It is also expected to ensure stable revenue generation for the port authority through royalty-linked payments and cargo commitments. Strategically, the upgraded berth will strengthen the role of New Mangalore Port as a key maritime gateway for the Karnataka and Kerala hinterlands, improving energy supply chain efficiency and supporting regional industrial growth. (KNN Bureau)