Mundra Port

Mundra port, India’s largest container handling gateway, has showcased remarkable resilience and preparedness as it surpasses pre-Cyclone Biparjoy levels, effectively reducing congestions and delays. The port’s efficient handling of the cyclone’s impact highlights its commitment to safety and disaster management, enabling a swift restoration of operations. Furthermore, strategic expansion initiatives are set to fortify Mundra’s position as a key player in the nation’s trade and transportation sector.

Amidst the aftermath of Cyclone Biparjoy, which caused approximately six days of operational downtime, Mundra port has emerged stronger than ever. Notably, the average number of TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) handled by rail has exceeded 5,300 in July, surpassing the pre-cyclone levels of around 4,900 TEUs. Additionally, the number of double stack container trains has surged by 33% post-cyclone, facilitating their efficient clearance from the port.

The port’s commitment to safeguarding human lives during the cyclone ensured that no incidents were reported, a testament to its dedication to safety and disaster response planning. With operations swiftly restored, container vessels can now berth upon arrival, significantly reducing congestion and potential delays. The pendency of containers in the yard has been markedly reduced, with dispatches witnessing a notable increase, especially on the rail side.

In a remarkable post-cyclone achievement, on 2 July, the port successfully berthed the longest vessel, MV MSC Hamburg, measuring 399 meters in length and 54 meters in width, with a carrying capacity of 15,908 TEUs.

Mundra port’s importance as a crucial gateway to the north and central regions of India is evident, with more than 6.6 million TEUs handled in FY23. The port’s strategic location, bolstered by connectivity to the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), ensures efficient movement of goods across the nation. Despite the challenges posed by Cyclone Biparjoy, the port displayed resilience, posting a commendable year-on-year growth of 4.4% in Q1 FY24 for container handling.

The port’s reputation as the preferred choice for major shipping lines, including MSC, CMA-CGM, Maersk, and Hapag-Lloyd, is well-deserved, thanks to its seamless operations, reliability, and customer-centric approach. Additionally, it serves as a vital hub for major container train operators like Concor, Gateway Distriparks Limited, and Hind Terminals Private Limited.

Anticipating the escalating demands in the industry, Mundra port is actively expanding its infrastructure. The commissioning of the new berth, T3, boasting a capacity of 0.8 million TEUs, is scheduled for Q3 FY23. To enhance container rail handling capacity, the port is introducing five new handling lines and two cantilever rail-mounted gantry (CRMG) cranes. Moreover, efforts to improve the receipt and dispatch yard, as well as an extension of existing lines to accommodate long-haul containers, are underway. Mundra Port is implementing a new terminal operating system to streamline processes and reduce manual interventions. Automation initiatives are also underway, targeting increased safety and overall operational efficiency.

As Mundra port continues to flourish, its impressive post-cyclone recovery and ambitious expansion plans solidify its position as a critical driver of India’s maritime trade landscape. The port’s dedication to efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction ensures that it remains a steadfast cornerstone of the nation’s trade ecosystem.