Mumbai Port surpasses 50 mt cargo mark

For the first time in its history, the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) has surpassed the 50 million tonne mark in cargo handling for the financial year 2006-07.

With this, Mumbai Port has joined the 50 million tonne club with other ports such as Kolkata Port, Chennai Port, Kandla and Visakhapatnam Port.

Mumbai Port has registered 18.48 per cent growth in cargo handling at 52.36 million tonne in 2006-07 against 44.19 million tonne in 2005-06.

"This is the highest ever growth registered by the Mumbai Port since its inception. This shows the efficiency of Mumbai Port as a multi-purpose port," said Ashok Bal, Deputy Chairman, Mumbai Port.

Bal pointed out the significant growth in POL "" petroleum, oil and lubricant "" has resulted in the port surpassing the 50 million tonne mark. The share of POL was 32.15 million tonne last financial year against 27.78 million tonne.

"Cargoes such as crude oil, automobiles, break bulk, iron and steel, and project shipment were the highlight of Mumbai Port's cargo-handling capabilities. The port has handled the maximum number of passengers from cruise vessels," he added.

Automobiles major Tata Motors, Mahindra and Mahindra, Ashok Leyland and Maruti have increased their shipments from Mumbai Port. Iron and steel has also increased from the port with 4,88 million tonne.

However, container traffic continued a declining trend at the Mumbai Port. The container throughput declined to 138,000 twenty foot container during the last fiscal against 156000 twenty foot container in 2005-06.

"The scene of container handling would pick up once the Rs 1,200 crore offshore container terminal is constructed. Gammon India has won the contract to build the container terminal. Mumbai Port's board has approved the contract of Gammon India and is now awaiting the final clearance from Ministry of Shipping (MoS)," Bal said.

Senior port officials said that the Mumbai Port is positioning itself as a multi-purpose port with more trade facilitation measures.

"The port has introduced additional storage facilities to attract new cargoes to the port. The port has also raised its productivity measures with cost reduction as thrust area," they added.