India’s maritime sector has seen remarkable growth in the last decade, particularly in ports, coastal shipping, and inland waterways. This aligns with the Maritime India Vision 2030, enhancing infrastructure and economic development. The surge in cargo capacities and efficient transport highlights India’s strategic focus on maritime trade, boosting global competitiveness.
Vizhinjam International Port has marked a milestone with the arrival of the MSC Virginia, a container ship measuring 16.95 meters in draft, the deepest at the harbor. This achievement, celebrated during the Onam Festival, demonstrates the port’s capability to handle large vessels, solidifying its status as a premier deep-water hub in India.
Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) achieved a record freight throughput of 82.62 million tons in the 2024-25 financial year, surpassing 81.09 MT from the previous year. This growth, driven by diverse raw materials, also saw VPA’s container trade rise dramatically in global rankings. Sustainability and customer satisfaction remain key priorities for VPA.
Dhamra Port in Odisha has marked a significant milestone by importing its largest coking coal consignment, totaling 186,782 metric tonnes. Delivered by Tata Steel, this achievement highlights the port’s capability to handle ultra-large vessels and reinforces its status as a premier deep-draft facility on India’s eastern coast.
Adani Gangavaram Port has set a remarkable record by handling 61,317 MT of coastal cargo within 24 hours, exceeding the previous record of 57,950 MT. This achievement showcases the port’s commitment to operational excellence, leveraging advanced technology and infrastructure for efficient cargo management, vital for supporting India’s economic growth.
Adani Krishnapatnam Port Limited (AKPL) set a record by handling 5.74 million metric tonnes of dry cargo in a single month, the highest in its history. This achievement showcases the port’s robust infrastructure and operational efficiency. AKPL also marked its largest single-day road dispatch at 55,958 metric tonnes, reflecting exceptional logistics capabilities.
In a remarkable achievement, the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) successfully berthed a Trans-Pacific mother vessel with a capacity of 15,486 TEUs, surpassing the previous record. This milestone enhances VPA’s reputation as a key eastern coast gateway, boosting India’s cargo handling capacity and aligning with its strategic vision for global shipping.
Shiv Shipping Services, based in Gandhidham, has set a new record by discharging 79,780 MT of steam coal from the MV KMAX RULER at Kandla Port in just 24 hours. This milestone, achieved from May 29 to May 30, 2025, underscores the company’s operational excellence and commitment to efficiency.
Deendayal Port in Kandla, Gujarat, achieved a significant milestone by processing 51,450 tonnes of gypsum in one day, facilitated by the MV Valiant. This record underscores the collaborative efforts of key service providers, including Shree Ashapura Stevedores and others, showcasing Kandla Port’s crucial role in regional trade and economic growth.
The Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) celebrates 40 years of facilitating trade between India and the UAE, achieving a 40% increase in trade volume in 2024. With over 2,300 Indian companies operating in diverse sectors, Jafza aims for $100 billion in non-oil trade by 2030, enhancing global market access for Indian exporters.
In the fiscal year 2024-25, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) set a new record with 145.5 million tonnes of cargo movement on National Waterways. This milestone was achieved through proactive policy measures and infrastructure initiatives, including the Jalvahak scheme and the development of inland terminals.
To celebrate the launch of its newest cruise ship, MSC Cruises set a Guinness World Record with 1,391 Lego ships lined up on the deck of the MSC World America. The display stretched 292 feet and showcased the creativity and teamwork of the crew. A naming ceremony is scheduled.
In the fiscal year 2024-25, DP World’s Container Terminal in Cochin set a new volume record, handling 834,665 TEUs with an 11% year-on-year growth. Various segments like transshipment, foreign exports, coastal exports, reefer volumes, and single-vessel transactions also achieved new records. The terminal plays a crucial role in regional trade in South and East India.
In the 2023-24 fiscal year, Paradip Port in India achieved a significant milestone by handling 145.38 million tons of freight, surpassing DEENDAYAL Port to become the country’s highest major port. This growth highlights the port’s increasing importance in the Indian maritime sector. Expansion projects are underway to meet growing demand and enhance capabilities.
Marine fuel sales in Fujairah, the world’s third-largest bunkering hub, hit a record low in February. The decline in sales was attributed to a decrease in refueling demand at key bunker ports amidst global shipping uncertainty. Singapore, another major bunker port, also experienced a drop in sales to a 20-month low.
