VASCO
The Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) has reported a loss of around 0.5 million tonnes of cargo due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite this, the port recorded the highest growth among major ports in the country this financial year.
Speaking to reporters, MPA Chairman Dr N Vinod Kumar said the loss was equal to about two to three vessels that were expected from the Gulf region. “Because of the Middle East conflict and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, we lost nearly 0.5 million tonnes of cargo, or about two to three vessels. The affected cargo mainly included gypsum and bauxite from the Gulf. However, the overall impact on port operations has been limited,” he said.
Even with this setback, the port performed strongly. MPA handled 21.01 million tonnes of cargo this financial year, compared to 18.1 million tonnes last year, showing a growth of nearly 16 per cent.
“We handled 21.01 million tonnes this year as against 18.1 million tonnes last year. This is the highest growth among major ports in India. It is the result of strong teamwork, and we are pleased with this achievement,” Dr Kumar said.
He also clarified that the growth was not due to an increase in coal handling.
“Whenever there is growth, people assume coal handling has gone up. This is not true. Coal volumes remain within permitted limits. The growth has come from other cargo such as iron ore, limestone, steel, bauxite, fertilisers, and a small rise in container traffic,” he said.
On fuel supplies, Dr Kumar said shipments remain steady.
“We are receiving around three tanker loads of petroleum products every month from refineries across India. There has been no disruption so far,” he added.
However, he cautioned that the situation could change.
“We need to watch the next three to four months to see how the Middle East conflict and any continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz may affect cargo movement and port operations across the country,” Dr Kumar said.
