Team Goemkarponn
MORMUGAO: The operation of Berth No. 10 and 11 at Mormugao Port by Delta Ports Mormugao Terminal (DPMT) was officially launched by Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) Chairman Dr. N. Vinodkumar in the presence of senior MPA officials and representatives from DPMT on Friday morning.
DPMT is a subsidiary of Delta Infralogistics Worldwide Limited (DIWL) which operates at various ports across India, including Goa. The company had earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MPA for the operation and maintenance of Berth No. 10 and 11 under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for a tenure of 30 years. The MoU was exchanged at the Global Maritime India Summit 2023 in Mumbai, in the presence of Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and other dignitaries.
As per the agreement, DIWL would invest Rs 140 crore in the project while providing MPA with a monthly royalty as port revenue.
Speaking at the launch event, MPA Chairman Dr. N. Vinodkumar emphasized the significance of the milestone.
“This will be a relationship for 30 years, and we begin work on the concession from today,” he stated. “The port manpower will be utilized elsewhere, creating a win-win situation for both the port and the concessionaire. DPMT’s investment of Rs 140 crore will enhance the berths and boost the port’s business, leading to increased revenue.”
Dr. Vinodkumar further highlighted the opportunities for container operations, stating, “DPMT has a free hand in setting competitive rates for exporters and importers. We have already engaged with pharma and other industries to initiate container business. Additionally, we are in talks with feeder vessel operators to ensure weekly container movements at MPA. Our financial constraints made it difficult to invest Rs 140 crore, but today, with DPMT’s support, we have two state-of-the-art heavy machinery cranes with a capacity of 130 tonnes that operate on electricity. This is a significant step towards modernization, with future investments planned in warehouses, equipment, and autonomous vehicles.”
DPMT Chairman Mohiuddin Ahmed reiterated the company’s commitment to efficiency, productivity, and environmental responsibility. “We aim to introduce cutting-edge technology while ensuring a clean and sustainable port environment. Our primary cargo target is fertilizers, currently routed through Kandla Port, but we plan to divert this to Goa for Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Goa’s needs,” he said.
He also addressed container operations, adding, “Currently, container traffic moves to JNPT by road and rail. Our goal is to shift these to sea transport, significantly reducing carbon emissions. We are ensuring all necessary facilities, including specialized cranes and spreaders, and plan to complete warehousing infrastructure before the monsoon. Our objective is to restore the port’s prominence to its 1980s-era glory.”
DPMT Goa In-Charge Raghoba Kotkar expressed his enthusiasm, calling the project a “dream come true.”
“Having operated at this port for over two decades, we are proud to now manage our own terminal. We prioritize green cargo and are actively collaborating with stakeholders for the transportation of pharmaceutical products and seafood via containers. The Goa Chief Minister shares our vision of reducing carbon emissions through container services, which we expect to commence within a few months,” he said.
He further elaborated on the expansion plans, saying, “We are exploring imports of wheat for coastal distribution and handling various cargoes, including fertilizers, iron ore, gypsum, limestone, and wood chips. Our aim is to generate more employment for Goans, and we deeply appreciate the support from the port authorities and local community.”
DPMT official Shahzeer Ahmed underscored the company’s focus on technological advancement. “We are collaborating with the World Economic Forum on a project for autonomous vehicle movement within the port, aligning with global standards. Our hybrid cranes will primarily operate on electricity, improving efficiency while reducing environmental impact. With the development of warehousing, fertilizer bagging facilities, and conveyor systems, we expect to surpass all previous records for cargo handling at Goa Port in the next two years,” he concluded.
