NMPT exceeds handling 1-lakh TEUs of containers for FY 17-18

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 27, 2018: New Mangalore Port (NMP) has crossed handling of 1 lakh twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers as on February 26 in this current financial year, a significant milestone achievement towards the development of container traffic. During the current fiscal, as on this day, the Port has handled 1,00,666 TEUs (15,00,572 tonnes) of containerized cargo and an additional 13 vessels are scheduled to call during remaining period of current financial year.

 

Increased handling of coffee, raw cashew, gherkins, machinery, polypropylene granules, chemicals, agri-products, coastal cargo, has contributed in achieving growth rate of 23% in terms of TEUs and 24% in terms of volume. NMP is witnessing steady growth in container traffic mainly due to pro-active business promotion initiatives coupled with infrastructure and capacity addition - expansion of container yards, container handling equipment and so on.


These initiatives have contributed positive results in fostering container movement to port from hinterland which is evident from fact that from 9646 TEUs handled in 2005-06, Port has grown to 1 lakh plus TEUs in 2017-18 (till date). Growth rate could be sustained on account of increase in frequency of calls by feeder line vessels, competitive ocean freight offered by main line container operators and option of three transshipment ports that resulted in reduction in transit time.


With increasing trend in container traffic, Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) recently commenced their operation from inland container depot, Bengaluru to NMPT where they have established railway siding and commissioned it on January 31. This will further boost connectivity and transportation of container traffic through rail. CONCOR has commenced weekly train service from Bengaluru to Mangaluru and vice-versa with plans to increase frequency.