The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has approved a major infrastructure upgrade at New Mangalore Port, with an investment of ₹438.29 crore for the redevelopment of Berth No. 9 under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The project, to be executed on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) basis, aims to transform the existing berth into a modern liquid bulk handling facility. It will cater to cargo such as crude oil, petroleum products (POL), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), significantly enhancing the port’s operational efficiency and safety standards.
Once completed, the upgraded berth will have a handling capacity of 10.90 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The draft will be deepened from the current 10.5 metres to 14 metres, with provisions for future expansion up to 19.8 metres, enabling the port to accommodate larger vessels of up to 2,00,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT), including Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs).
The redevelopment also involves dismantling ageing infrastructure and replacing it with advanced marine systems, including mechanised handling, Marine Unloading Arms (MULAs), and automated mooring facilities. Enhanced safety measures such as integrated control systems, advanced firefighting infrastructure, and nitrogen generation units will also be introduced.
With a construction period of two years and a concession period of 30 years, the project is expected to attract private investment while ensuring stable revenue through fixed royalty and minimum guaranteed cargo commitments.
The initiative is set to strengthen the port’s strategic role as a key maritime gateway for the hinterlands of Karnataka and Kerala, while boosting capacity, efficiency, and long-term sustainability in liquid bulk cargo handling.
