In a significant achievement for India’s maritime sector, nine ports from the country have made it to the Global Top 100 of the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2023.
This index, compiled jointly by the World Bank and S&P Global Marketing Intelligence, highlights the operational efficiency and service delivery of ports worldwide.
Among the top performers, Vishakhapatnam Port emerged with commendable metrics, including 27.5 moves per crane hour, a turnaround time (TRT) of 21.4 hours, and minimal berth idle time.
These figures underscore the port’s efficiency in handling container ships, influencing customer preferences positively.
Attributing this success to the Centre’s ambitious Sagarmala programme, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “This is a tremendous achievement for the Indian ports.”
The programme focuses on modernising and mechanising ports, making them technologically advanced to enhance performance and efficiency.
“It is a testament to the efforts undertaken by the Narendra Modi government to improve operational efficiency, service delivery, and overall port management. The modernisation efforts under Sagarmala have significantly enhanced our ports’ capabilities in handling ships and cargo,” added the Minister.
Highlighting the strategic importance of these initiatives, Sonowal added that through Sagarmala, India has incorporated new technologies and green infrastructure to bolster the stability of global markets and ensure sustainability in the country’s maritime industry.
“With continued efforts, we are optimistic about further enhancing the resilience and efficiency of our maritime gateways, thereby boosting port-led economic development,” he said.
The other Indian ports securing places in the Global Top 100 include Pipavav (ranked 41), Kamarajar (47), Cochin (63), Hazira (68), Krishnapatnam (71), Chennai (80), and Jawaharlal Nehru (96).
The CPPI 2023 rankings reaffirm India’s commitment to enhancing port infrastructure and efficiency, driving economic growth through robust maritime trade facilitation.