For Visakhapatnam Port Authority, the sea has long been more than a geographic advantage—it has been the backbone of economic activity shaping Visakhapatnam’s industrial and commercial landscape. Today, fresh cargo data suggests that this maritime engine is accelerating once again.
In FY 2025–26, the port recorded a robust rise in cargo volumes, with exports growing 19.4% year-on-year to 33.67 million tonnes, while imports increased 5.5% to 57.45 million tonnes. The figures highlight Vizag’s strengthening position in India’s trade and logistics ecosystem.
According to M. Angamuthu, Chairperson of VPA, the growth has been broad-based across bulk, break-bulk, and liquid cargo segments. This reflects the port’s enhanced operational efficiency and its ability to cater to evolving trade dynamics.
A key driver behind the surge has been diversification in cargo profiles. Crude oil volumes rose 15%, reinforcing the region’s role in energy logistics. Iron ore and pellets registered a 13.9% increase, indicating steady demand from the metals and manufacturing sectors, while thermal coal volumes saw a sharp jump, doubling during the year. Additional commodities such as alumina and anthracite coal also posted notable gains, pointing to an expanding industrial base.
The impact of this growth extends well beyond port operations. Higher cargo throughput is translating into increased business for shipping agents, transporters, warehousing firms, and customs service providers, while also supporting employment across port-linked sectors.
Strategically located on India’s east coast, with strong multimodal connectivity and proximity to key industrial corridors, Visakhapatnam is steadily reinforcing its role as a gateway for trade flows across eastern and central India.
With continued focus on efficiency improvements and cargo diversification, VPA is positioning itself to support India’s broader maritime ambitions while driving regional economic growth. As Vizag attracts further investments in industry and infrastructure, the port remains central to its growth story—where every rise in cargo volumes signals growing confidence across the local economy.
