MORMUGAO: The Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) has reported a loss of around 0.5 million tonnes of cargo due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and disruptions along the Strait of Hormuz, even as the port posted the highest growth among major ports in the country this financial year.
Addressing reporters, MPA Chairman Dr N Vinod Kumar said the impacted cargo was equivalent to about two to three vessels that were scheduled to arrive from Gulf regions.
"Due to the Middle East conflict and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, we lost nearly 0.5 million tonnes of cargo, which translates to around two to three vessels. The affected consignments mainly included gypsum and bauxite coming from the Gulf. However, the overall impact on port operations has been minimal," said Dr Kumar.
Despite the setback, MPA registered a strong performance, emerging as the fastest-growing major port in India. The port handled 21.01 million tonnes of cargo during the current financial year, compared to 18.1 million tonnes last year, marking a growth of nearly 16 percent.
"We have handled 21.01 million tonnes of cargo this year as against 18.1 million tonnes last year, achieving nearly 16 percent growth. Among all major ports in India, this is the highest growth recorded. It has been a result of excellent teamwork, and we are very pleased with this achievement," Dr Kumar said.
He also addressed concerns regarding coal handling, clarifying that the growth was not driven by an increase in coal cargo.
"Whenever there is growth, there is a perception that coal handling has increased. This is not the case. Coal volumes remain constant as per permitted limits. The growth has come from other cargo segments such as iron ore, limestone, steel, bauxite, fertilizers, and even a small increase in container handling since last year," he stated.
On fuel supplies, Dr Kumar said the port continues to receive steady shipments.
"We are currently receiving around three tanker loads of petroleum products every month from refineries across India. There has been no disruption on that front so far," he added.
He, however, cautioned that the evolving geopolitical situation could have wider implications.
"We will have to wait and watch over the next three to four months to understand how the Middle East conflict and any prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz may affect cargo movement and port operations across the country," Dr Kumar said.