The Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH, Government of India, Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, highlighted that FY23 saw India’s major ports reach unprecedented heights, setting new records across various key performance indicators.
India’s major ports collectively handled a record-breaking 795 million tonnes of cargo, registering a 10.4% growth over the previous year.
Speaking at the 2nd Edition of FICCI’s Port Infrastructure Conclave, Minister Sonowal noted that major ports achieved the highest-ever output per day of 17,239 tonnes, marking a 6% increase compared to the last year. Another significant accomplishment was the best-ever operating ratio of 48.54%. Lastly, the major ports recorded their highest-ever number of vessels handled, reaching a total of 21,846 vessels in the year.
The fleet of ships sailing under the Indian flag has expanded from 1,205 in 2014 to 1,526 by 2023, showcasing the country’s commitment to strengthening its maritime presence. This growth has been accompanied by a significant rise in gross tonnage, increasing from 10.3 million in 2014 to 13.7 million in 2023, reflecting the enhanced capacity and scale of operations. Furthermore, the number of Indian seafarers has grown from 1,17,090 in 2014 to a remarkable 2,50,071 in 2022, registering an increase of almost 114% in just nine years.
The minister also emphasised the importance of incorporating technology into port operations, stating that “smart ports are the future, and we are already making significant strides towards this goal.” By leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence, India aims to optimise port operations and boost efficiency.
Green Initiatives
In his welcome address, Mr Dhruv Kotak, Chairman, Ports & Shipping, FICCI Committee for Transport Infrastructure, lauded the government for its commitment to sustainability and green port initiatives.
He emphasized the significance of India’s shift towards cleaner fuels and the potential impact on the port and logistics industry.
