Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd. is preparing for a slow yet steady rebound in container volumes, even as the terminal continues to cede market share due to tariff-linked disruptions affecting cargo from the US. At the same time, the port is consolidating its position in liquids, RoRo and fertiliser cargo—segments that are increasingly emerging as its new pillars of growth.
The port’s container business has come under pressure in the first half of the financial year, primarily because of a sharp fall in US-linked cargo. “Overall, in the first half we are down by five per cent on container volume, largely down in this quarter. Last quarter was broadly flat. This quarter, we declined by nine per cent essentially because of the US tariffs, where we’ve seen significant de-growth in some of the services,” said Girish Aggarwal, Managing Director of Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd.
Despite the downturn, Aggarwal expects a stabilisation in the coming months. “Broadly, we are now seeing some slight recovery. I expect container volumes to grow slightly in this quarter… and then the next quarter to have some recovery. Overall, this year, we should end at -2 per cent to 0 per cent on containers,” he added.
Even as container numbers soften, the port is witnessing strong traction in other cargo categories. Its liquids, RoRo and fertiliser segments continue to perform robustly, helping the port offset some of the declines in container volumes and positioning it for improved market share in diversified cargo handling.
With gradual recovery signs in containers and momentum in alternative cargo streams, Gujarat Pipavav Port is working to rebalance its portfolio and strengthen its competitive edge amid shifting global trade dynamics.