Visakhapatnam Port Authority Sets Ambitious 100 MMT Cargo Target Following Historic Achievement
The Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) has announced an ambitious target of handling 100 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo within the next two years. This bold goal comes immediately after the port achieved a historic milestone by crossing the 90 MMT mark for the first time in its 92-year operational history.
Record-Breaking Performance in Financial Year 2025-26
In the financial year 2025-26, Visakhapatnam Port recorded its highest-ever cargo throughput of 91.17 MMT, representing a substantial growth of 10.35% over the previous fiscal year. This remarkable performance secured the port fourth place among all major ports in India. The previous best was 82.62 MMT achieved in FY 2024-25, making the latest achievement particularly significant for the port's nearly century-long legacy.
Strategic Expansion and Development Plans
VPA chairman Dr. M. Angamuthu revealed comprehensive expansion plans during recent announcements. The authority is planning to operate Mulapeta Port in collaboration with the government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP). Furthermore, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) is being jointly planned by VPA and GoAP for the development of Duggarajapatnam Port and an associated shipbuilding unit.
Dr. Angamuthu emphasized the port's commitment to environmental sustainability, assuring citizens that operations are moving toward handling non-dusty cargo. Specific plans include diverting more coal operations to Mulapeta Port while focusing expansion efforts through increased mechanization across facilities.
Enhanced Operational Capabilities and Infrastructure
The port's operational enhancements have been substantial and multifaceted:
- LPG Capacity Boost: Four LPG ships are scheduled to arrive this month, significantly enhancing LPG supply capacity and distribution capabilities.
- Cargo Growth Drivers: Strong cargo growth across multiple categories was instrumental in crossing the 90 MMT threshold. Petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL) and crude cargo grew by 13% to reach 28.11 MMT, while iron ore increased by 15% and fertilizers surged by an impressive 42%.
- Operational Efficiency: Reduced turnaround time, minimized berth delays, and improved productivity ensured faster vessel handling and higher throughput capacity.
- Innovative Operations: The port adopted Gemini operations for heavy-lift cargo, improved overall productivity and turnaround metrics, and made efficient use of the Single Point Mooring (SPM) system, including achieving first-ever crude oil loading operations.
Remarkable Performance Metrics and Infrastructure Development
Operational performance highlights demonstrate the port's exceptional capabilities:
- Single-day cargo handling reached 550,198 metric tonnes
- 24 vessel movements were achieved within a 24-hour period
- High berth occupancy with 28 of 32 berths consistently engaged
Continuous infrastructure development has been crucial to these achievements. The port has invested significantly in:
- Modernization of berths and storage facilities
- Expansion of road networks
- Development of an extensive railway network spanning 176 kilometers with 40 sidings
These infrastructure improvements have enabled efficient cargo evacuation and higher capacity utilization throughout the port complex.
Enhanced Vessel Handling Capabilities
Visakhapatnam Port's ability to handle cape-size vessels of up to 200,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT) and accommodate deep drafts ranging from 16 to 21 meters has further enhanced operational efficiency. These capabilities have been instrumental in helping VPA achieve record cargo handling volumes while positioning the port for continued growth and expansion in the competitive maritime logistics sector.
