The Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) plans to commission three mobile port cranes within the next six to 12 months, giving hope to exporters and manufacturing companies. The existing crane, which has been out of service since 2020, has undergone repairs costing approximately Rs 3 crore. MPA has also issued a tender to a private provider to operate two additional mobile harbor cranes. If security clearance is obtained, the tender will be awarded immediately, and within the mentioned timeframe, three cranes will be operational.
In addition to the damaged crane, the container cargo feeder service at the port was also halted due to the absence of a port pipe or container cargo. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways had assigned MPA to procure a 100-tonne mobile crane as part of a tender for the rehabilitation of berths 10 and 11. However, MPA has not yet found a shipping company willing to operate a container feeder service for the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust or Mundra Port. MPA vice-chairman Guruprasad Rai acknowledges the challenge of regaining confidence and restarting the feeder service.
The upcoming commissioning of three mobile port cranes by MPA is expected to provide a much-needed boost to both exporters and manufacturing companies. The repair of the existing crane, as well as the tender for two additional cranes, indicate MPA’s commitment to improving port operations. The delays caused by the damaged crane and the suspension of the container cargo feeder service have created challenges for the port. Finding a shipping company willing to operate the feeder service is now a priority for MPA. The successful implementation of these measures will help instill confidence and aid in the recovery of the port’s operations.
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