Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd, operated by APM Terminals, expects a major shift in its cargo mix during the June quarter as the ongoing West Asia conflict disrupts fertiliser and LPG shipments, leading to a projected 35-40% sequential fall in liquid cargo volumes and an 8-10% decline in bulk cargo volumes.
The disruptions have particularly affected Middle East-linked shipping services and commodity flows, especially fertilisers and LPG. However, the port operator said fertiliser imports are gradually recovering, while LPG imports are increasingly being sourced from the US, resulting in longer transit times.
Despite pressure on bulk and liquid cargo, the company expects container volumes to grow 5-7% in the June quarter, supported by new transhipment opportunities and additional shipping services, including Maersk’s new FI2 weekly service connecting Far East Asia with India.
RoRo cargo remains the port’s strongest growth driver, with vehicle export volumes expected to rise 45-50% during the quarter amid strong automobile export demand. The company is also expanding its RoRo infrastructure and expects a new pre-delivery inspection facility by NYK Line to further boost handling capacity.
Additionally, Gujarat Pipavav Port is developing a three-million-tonne liquid jetty project scheduled for completion by December 2026, with initial operations expected to commence next fiscal year.