Mangaluru: The Union govt has approved a proposal from New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) for the redevelopment of Berth No 9 for handling liquid bulk cargo under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Greenlight for the project came from Sarbananda Sonowal, minister of ports, shipping and waterways. The project envisages dismantling of legacy infrastructure and comprehensive redevelopment of Berth No 9 to handle liquid bulk cargo such as crude oil, petroleum products (POL), and LPG. As part of the modernisation plan, the berth draft will be enhanced from the existing 10.5 metres to 14 metres, with a future-ready design provision up to 19.8 metres, enabling the port to accommodate vessels including Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs). With an estimated cost of Rs 438.3 crore, the redevelopment will be undertaken by a private concessionaire selected through an open competitive bidding process. The project will have a capacity of 10.9 MTPA, and the concessionaire will commit to a minimum guaranteed cargo (MGC) of 7.6 MTPA by the fifth year of operations. Construction will be completed in two years. From a financial standpoint, it will ensure stable and sustained revenue streams for the Port Authority through fixed royalty payments, along with mandatory MGC commitments. The redevelopment will further reinforce New Mangalore Port’s position as a key maritime gateway for Karnataka and Kerala hinterlands, facilitating trade, supporting industrial growth, and enhancing energy supply chain resilience, stated a release.
