Pipavav Port, officially known as APM Terminals Pipavav, is a prominent all-weather, deep-draft port located in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, India. Since its inauguration in November 1996, the port has developed extensive infrastructure to handle various types of cargo, including containers, dry bulk, liquid bulk, and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipments.
Dry Cargo Berths: The port features four dry cargo berths with a combined quay length of approximately 725 meters. These berths accommodate a range of dry bulk commodities such as coal, cement, clinker, fertilizers, steel, iron ore, agricultural products, salt, and soda ash.
Liquid Cargo Berth: In addition to the dry cargo berths, Pipavav Port has a dedicated liquid cargo berth designed to handle petroleum products, chemicals, vegetable oils, bitumen, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This berth is equipped to manage Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs), enhancing the port’s capacity for efficient and safe liquid cargo operations.
Containers: The port has the capacity to handle up to 1.35 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually.
Dry Bulk Cargo: Capable of managing approximately 4 to 5 million tonnes per year, the port handles commodities like coal, cement, and fertilizers.
Liquid Bulk Cargo: With facilities to handle around 2 million tonnes annually, the port manages various liquid products, including petroleum and chemicals.
RoRo Cargo: The port is equipped to handle about 250,000 passenger cars per year, providing vital support to the automotive industry. Strategically positioned, Pipavav Port offers seamless access to India’s northwest hinterland through well-developed road and rail networks. It boasts a dedicated broad-gauge railway line connecting to Surendranagar, facilitating efficient cargo movement to and from inland container depots.
The port’s infrastructure includes modern container handling equipment, advanced terminal operating systems, and specialized facilities for refrigerated (reefer) containers, ensuring efficient and secure cargo operations.
In summary, Pipavav Port has established itself as a key maritime gateway on India’s west coast, offering comprehensive facilities and services to accommodate a diverse range of cargo types, thereby playing a significant role in the nation’s trade and commerce.
