13 Major Commercial Sea Ports in India

India, with its vast coastline of over 7,500 kilometers, has a strategic advantage in maritime trade. The country’s network of commercial sea ports plays a crucial role in facilitating international trade and commerce. As of 2024, India has 13 Major Commercial Sea Ports in India and 217 non-major ports that significantly contribute to the nation’s economic growth. This blog provides an in-depth look at these ports and their locations. – Commercial Sea Ports in India

India’s 13 major sea ports are vital hubs for maritime trade. These ports handle the bulk of the country’s cargo and are strategically located to serve various regions.

01. Kandla (Deendayal Port), Gujarat – Commercial Sea Ports in India

• One of the oldest and busiest ports in India, Kandla is a major hub for handling crude oil, petroleum products, and dry cargo.

02. Mumbai Port, Maharashtra – Commercial Sea Ports in India

• Located on the west coast, Mumbai Port is one of the largest and most important ports in India, handling a wide range of cargo including containers, liquid bulk, and dry bulk.

03. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), Maharashtra

• Also known as Nhava Sheva, JNPT is the largest container port in India, handling more than half of the country’s containerized cargo.

04. Mormugao Port, Goa

• Known for handling iron ore exports, Mormugao Port is a significant port on the western coast of India.

05. New Mangalore Port, Karnataka

• This port handles a variety of cargo including petroleum products, chemicals, and agricultural commodities.

06. Chennai Port, Tamil Nadu

• One of the oldest and most significant ports on the east coast, Chennai Port handles containers, automobiles, and project cargo.

07. Kolkata Port (Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port), West Bengal

• The oldest operating port in India, Kolkata Port serves as a critical hub for trade with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.

08. Visakhapatnam Port, Andhra Pradesh

• A major port on the east coast, Visakhapatnam Port handles iron ore, coal, and other bulk cargo.

09. Paradip Port, Odisha

• Known for handling bulk cargo including iron ore, coal, and crude oil, Paradip Port is a vital port on the eastern seaboard.

10. Tuticorin Port (V.O. Chidambaranar Port), Tamil Nadu

• Located in the southern part of India, Tuticorin Port handles container traffic, coal, and other bulk cargo.

11. Cochin Port, Kerala

• Cochin Port is a key port on the southwestern coast, handling a variety of cargo including petroleum products, chemicals, and containers.

12. Ennore Port (Kamarajar Port), Tamil Nadu

• This modern port near Chennai focuses on handling automobiles, coal, and other bulk cargo.

13. Galathea Bay Port, Andaman and Nicobar Islands (upcoming)

• An upcoming port that is expected to boost maritime trade in the Andaman and Nicobar region.

Non-Major Ports

In addition to the major ports, India has 217 non-major ports. These ports are administered by the respective state maritime boards and include both public and private ports. Some notable non-major ports include:

• Mundra Port, Gujarat
• One of the largest private ports in India, Mundra handles a wide range of cargo including containers, bulk, and liquid cargo.
• Hazira Port, Gujarat
• Another significant port in Gujarat, Hazira handles various cargo including bulk, breakbulk, and containers.
• Dahej Port, Gujarat
• Dahej is known for handling bulk cargo, particularly coal and chemicals.
• Jalgaon Port, Maharashtra
• A key port in Maharashtra that handles a variety of cargo including bulk and breakbulk.
• Dhamra Port, Odisha
• This deep-draft port on the east coast handles a range of cargo including coal, iron ore, and containers.

Importance of Sea Ports

Sea ports are vital for India’s trade, handling around 95% of the country’s trading by volume and 70% by value. They serve as gateways for the import and export of goods, contributing significantly to the economy and are Commercial Sea Ports in India. The government has been investing in the development and modernization of these ports to enhance their capacity and efficiency.

Future Developments

The Indian government has launched initiatives like the Sagarmala Project and the National Maritime Development Program to develop new ports and improve existing infrastructure. These projects aim to boost the maritime sector and support the growing demands of trade and commerce. The Sagarmala Project, in particular, focuses on port modernization, port connectivity, port-led industrialization, and coastal community development. This initiative aims to reduce logistics costs and make Indian goods more competitive in the global market.

In addition to infrastructure development, there is a focus on enhancing operational efficiency through the adoption of technology and best practices. Ports are increasingly using automation, digitalization, and advanced logistics solutions to improve cargo handling and reduce turnaround times. – Commercial Sea Ports in India

Conclusion – Commercial Sea Ports in India

India’s extensive network of Commercial Sea Ports in India is a testament to the country’s commitment to maintaining robust maritime trade. These ports not only facilitate the movement of goods but also contribute to the overall economic development of the nation. With continued investment in infrastructure and technology, India’s ports are poised to play an even more significant role in the global trade landscape in the coming years.

The strategic locations of these ports, combined with government initiatives and industry efforts, ensure that India remains a key player in international maritime trade. As the country continues to grow and develop, the importance of these sea ports will only increase, further strengthening India’s position in the global economy.

I hope this blog provides a comprehensive overview of India’s major export products. If you’re looking for Import-Export Business Training, contact us at 8097424552. We offer offline classes in Dombivli, Thane to help you master international trade.

Mr. Prassnna Shetty is a seasoned expert in the Import-Export & Shipping Industry with over 15 years of experience since 2008. He is the CEO and Founder of PV International INC, established in 2013, a leading firm providing Export-Import and Shipping Services for global trade success in India.

With deep expertise in Export Business, Product Development, Supply Chain Management, and Custom Clearance, Mr. Shetty has helped numerous businesses streamline their global trade operations. His vast knowledge and strategic approach make him a trusted name in the industry.

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