New Mangalore Port handled highest-ever cargo of 46.01 million tonne in 2024-25

The New Mangalore Port has set a new all-time record by handling 46.01 million tonne of cargo in 2024-25 when the port celebrates its golden jubilee year.

The New Mangalore Port has set a new all-time record by handling 46.01 million tonne of cargo in 2024-25 when the port celebrates its golden jubilee year.

A release here said NMPA, recently awarded the second-best port in container handling under less than 0.5 million TEU segment by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has consistently demonstrated growth in its cargo throughput. The previous best of 45.7 million tonne was in 2023-24.

The port also reported a provisional Profit After Tax of ₹600 crore for FY 2024-25 – a 5.2% year-on-year growth, and a healthy operating ratio of 34.87%, reflecting its strong financial position and operational efficiency, the release said.

This achievement comes despite facing several challenges – delays in post-monsoon dredging owing to priority docking of aircraft carrier at the Cochin Shipyard, global shipping delays from the Red Sea crisis, reduced containerised cashew imports following crop failure in West Africa, and weak steel demand affecting iron ore exports.

“Despite various macro-economic and operational adversities, including the delays in the four-laning of NH-75, the port took proactive measures to diversify its cargo focus, offered multiple targeted commercial, and operational inducements, and undertook focused trade engagement efforts to attract additional volumes,” said NMP authority chairman A.V. Ramana. “The projects inaugurated by the Prime Minister in FY 2022-23 were operationalised during the year and contributed to the overall throughput,” he added.

The NMPA said it implemented several operational upgrades, including fixed window berthing, integrated yard management, automated weighbridges and dynamic storage solutions towards enhancing efficiency. To support long-term growth, NMPA is undertaking key infrastructure projects including a new deep-draft general cargo berth, Phase II mechanisation of the container terminal, and refurbishment of POL Berth No. 9. The initiatives are aimed at positioning NMPA as a 100+ million tonne port and boost Karnataka’s economic growth.