Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Darshan H V underscored the importance of strong coordination among government agencies, industry stakeholders, and port authorities to effectively address risks in port operations.
He was speaking after inaugurating a seminar at New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA), organised around the themes 'Maritime Challenges and the Role of Stakeholders' and 'Indian Port Act 2025'.
The seminar brought together experts, officials, and industry representatives to deliberate on key challenges in the maritime sector and the implications of the proposed Indian Port Act 2025.
Welcoming the gathering, Captain Manoj Joshi, Deputy Conservator of NMPA, highlighted the need for collective efforts among stakeholders to ensure safe, secure, and efficient port operations.
Presiding over the event, S Shanthi said that the Indian Port Act 2025 would play a pivotal role in strengthening regulatory frameworks and improving administrative efficiency across ports in India.
Guest of honour Nandakumar V Pillai, Director (Refinery) at Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL), emphasised the critical role ports play in driving industrial growth and supporting the economy.
The seminar also featured a technical session with insights from maritime experts. Captain L K Panda, former Shipping Advisor to the Government of India, and Captain Anand W Karkare, former Deputy Conservator of Mumbai Port Authority, shared their expertise on operational and regulatory aspects of port management.
Other officials present included Surveyor-in-Charge Ubaidulla Rahman, along with senior port representatives.
In a major achievement, the New Mangalore Port Authority announced that it has handled a record 50.04 million tonnes (MT) of cargo during the financial year 2025-26, marking the highest annual cargo throughput in its history.
The milestone comes during the port's 50th financial year, coinciding with its Golden Jubilee celebrations. This achievement further strengthens NMPA's position as a key maritime gateway on India's west coast.
Port authorities credited the success to the support of major companies, the customs department, and various stakeholders who contributed to operational efficiency.
The record performance was achieved under the leadership of Sushil Kumar Singh, Chairman of NMPA, and Deputy Chairperson S. Shanthi, according to an official release.
To commemorate the milestone, a cake-cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday evening, attended by port staff and stakeholders, marking a proud moment in the port's history.
The seminar and the record cargo milestone together highlight the growing importance of coordinated efforts and robust policy frameworks in India's maritime sector. With increasing cargo volumes and evolving challenges, collaboration between authorities and industry stakeholders will remain key to ensuring sustainable and efficient port operations.