Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, addressed significant issues affecting the maritime sector in parliament, focusing on container shortages and port capacity expansion. His detailed update highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts and strategic measures.
Responding to concerns about container shortages affecting Indian exporters, Minister Shri Sonowal clarified that there is no acute shortage. The recent issues primarily resulted from the Red Sea crisis, which began late in 2023 and continued into early 2024. This crisis caused a diversion of ships from the Suez Canal to the Cape of Good Hope, increasing transit times by 35 to 40 percent. These delays at major global ports led to higher charter hire costs.
To address these challenges, the government has implemented several proactive measures. Shipping companies are repositioning empty containers globally based on market needs. The Ministry of Commerce & Industry, under its Service Improvement Group framework, conducts regular interactions with shipping lines, port authorities, and export-import associations. Measures include advising safety convoys for vessels on disrupted routes and coordinating with the Container Corporation of India to address inland container depot congestion.
The Directorate General of Shipping is also promoting the ownership and operation of containers by Indian entities as a long-term solution. Additionally, the development of tracking and tracing mechanisms through the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) and Logistics Data Bank (LDB) aims to improve the turnaround time of export containers, enhancing their availability.
Minister Shri Sonowal also addressed queries about port capacity expansion across the country. From 2014-15 to 2023-24, the expansion of port capacities has been significant across all 12 Major Ports in India. For example, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port increased its capacity by 31.29%, while Paradip Port saw a substantial rise of 141.86%. Kamarajar Port and V.O. Chidambaranar Port achieved impressive expansions of 154.05% and 150.19%, respectively. Other ports, such as Chennai, Cochin, and New Mangalore, also reported notable increases. Deendayal Port, Gujarat, stands out with a remarkable 121.79% increase in capacity over the last decade. Overall, the total capacity of these ports surged by 87.01%, showcasing the government’s commitment to enhancing maritime infrastructure.
Minister Shri Sonowal’s statements reflect the ongoing efforts to address current maritime challenges and ensure the long-term sustainability and efficiency of India’s port and shipping sector. The government’s proactive measures aim to support exporters, streamline container logistics, and bolster port capacities to meet future demands.
