Gujarat Pipavav Port Limited (GPPL) has postponed the commissioning of its new liquid cargo jetty to March–April 2027, citing delays in construction work. The revised timeline pushes back the completion of a major infrastructure project aimed at significantly expanding the port’s liquid cargo handling capacity.
The new liquid jetty was earlier expected to be commissioned by December 2026. However, delays in construction activities have necessitated a revision of the project schedule, with operations now anticipated to commence during the first quarter of calendar year 2027.
The expansion is an important part of the port’s strategy to strengthen its position in the liquid bulk segment and accommodate growing demand for handling petroleum products, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other liquid commodities.
Upon completion, the new facility is expected to increase the port’s liquid cargo handling capacity from approximately 2 million tonnes per annum to around 5.2 million tonnes per annum, substantially enhancing its ability to handle additional volumes and accommodate larger vessels.
The project is expected to improve operational flexibility, provide additional berthing capacity and support the development of liquid cargo-related infrastructure in the Pipavav port region.
The expansion also comes at a time when the port is looking to strengthen its cargo mix and capitalise on emerging opportunities in the liquid bulk segment. The company has indicated that demand from customers for additional liquid cargo handling capacity has been a key factor behind the investment.
Meanwhile, liquid cargo volumes at Pipavav have experienced fluctuations, partly due to disruptions in LPG and other liquid commodity imports amid geopolitical developments in the Middle East. The normalisation of supply chains and the emergence of alternative sourcing channels are expected to influence future cargo flows.
The commissioning of the new jetty, along with the expansion of associated storage infrastructure in the port’s hinterland, is expected to provide additional impetus to liquid cargo growth over the coming years. However, the additional capacity is likely to be utilised progressively rather than immediately upon commissioning.
The liquid jetty expansion forms part of Gujarat Pipavav Port’s broader infrastructure development plans to enhance its capabilities across container, dry bulk, liquid bulk and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) cargo segments.
Despite the revised commissioning schedule, the project remains strategically significant for the port as it seeks to expand capacity, attract new cargo streams and strengthen its role in India’s maritime logistics network.