Our focus will be on container and liquid cargo along with group cargo requirement

- Arun Maheshwari

Joint MD & CEO, JSW Infrastructure

How do you see the role of non-Major ports and private ports in the growth of Indian ports sector?

While the overall growth of cargo through sea port sectors grew by 3% CAGR in last five years, the bifurcation between non-Major (CAGR 4.3%) and Major ports (2.1%) tells the story of growing influence of non-Major ports in this sector. During 2021-22, the non-Major ports accounted for 45% of the overall cargo traffic handled at Indian ports and this share is further impressive when we look that 2/3rd share of coastal movement is handled by non-Major ports.

As of 2020-21, total port capacity of Indian ports is close to 2,500 MNTPA of which Major Ports holds 60%. However, port utilization at non-Major ports stands impressive at 58% compare to Major Ports (48%). This is largely also to the fact that in the five-year period from 2016-17 to 2020-21, ~420 MMT of capacity at Major Ports and ~200 MMT of capacity at non-Major ports, were added through deepening of berths and terminals, mechanization and modernization initiatives, rail & road connectivity, etc.

Which are the major cargoes handled at the JSW ports/p terminals? What is the current capacity?

JSW Infrastructure is among the key players in port sector in India. It operates 9 mechanised terminals/ports with state-of-the-art back-up and environment-friendly operations in both coasts of India. Good mix of transportation models (sea/rail/conveyors/road) ensures least disruptions even in trying times like Covid.

The current total cargo handling capacity in India is more than 150 MTPA. Additionally, we also operate Fujairah Bulk Terminal, UAE with the capacity of 24 MTPA. All these ports/terminals are designed to make JSW Infrastructure a benchmark for efficiency and sustainability in port operations. The existing ports and terminals of the company are capable of handling vessels up to Cape size and offering mechanized and multi-cargo handling facilities to customers. We are handling dry bulk cargo, break bulk cargo, liquid & gas and containers from our ports and terminals. We have India's first FSRU-based LNG terminal at our Jaigarh (Maharashtra) Port. Our strategy to grow in multiple trade segments made us enter into our first container business through our Mangalore Container Terminal.

We also have India's largest riverine port at Dharamtar (Maharashtra) on Amba River (NW10) with capacity of 34 MMTPA. It contributed 25% towards India's total inland waterways transportation in FY22.

In the last five years, JSW Infrastructure has grown faster than the industry recording a CAGR of 15% for cargo throughput compared to the Indian ports sector's growth of 3%.

What are the expansions plans?

JSW Infrastructure is targeting 200 MTPA cargo handling capacity by FY24 through greenfield and brownfield expansion/acquisition. Our focus will be on container and liquid cargo along with group cargo requirement. India is a growing market and definitely our expansions shall be in line with the business scenarios in the region/segment of business.

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