APM Terminals Pipavav Advances Liquid Cargo Jetty to Boost Gujarat’s Maritime Ambitions

APM Terminals Pipavav Accelerates Liquid Cargo Jetty Construction with Key Contracts

pipavav, Gujarat – APM Terminals Pipavav has taken a significant step forward in bolstering India’s maritime infrastructure, formalizing contracts for the construction of a dedicated liquid cargo jetty (Berth 6). The advancement, initially pledged at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024, aims to enhance the port’s capacity and contribute to regional economic growth.

The port operator has engaged L&T Geostructure Pvt. Ltd. to oversee the construction of the jetty and associated marine infrastructure. Together, van Oord India Pvt. ltd. will manage the crucial capital dredging and reclamation work required for the project.The contract signing ceremony, held at GIFT City in Gandhinagar, was attended by Shri Rajkumar Beniwal, IAS, Vice Chairman & CEO of the Gujarat Maritime Board, underscoring the state government’s commitment to port-led development.

“APM Terminals Pipavav is dedicated to the progress of Gujarat and its communities,” stated Girish Aggarwal, Managing Director of APM Terminals Pipavav. “Thes contracts demonstrate our commitment to translating investment into tangible impact.With the continued support of the Gujarat Maritime Board, we are building infrastructure that strengthens Gujarat’s maritime capabilities and delivers on the vision outlined at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.”

the new liquid jetty is projected to substantially increase the port’s ability to handle diverse cargo types, improve service reliability, and prepare for future operational demands. Beyond the infrastructure itself, the project is expected to generate employment opportunities, attract industrial investment, and stimulate economic development in the Pipavav Port corridor.

APM Terminals Pipavav currently serves as a leading gateway port in India, handling containers, dry bulk, liquid bulk, and RoRo cargo. With a current annual capacity of 1.35 million TEUs of containers and 4 million metric tons of dry bulk, the addition of the liquid berth will expand liquid bulk capacity to 5.2 million metric tons and accommodate 250,000 passenger cars annually. Notably, APM Terminals Pipavav was India’s first public-private partnership (PPP) port and the first to connect to the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), and is part of the global APM Terminals network.

How does the increased draft depth at Pipavav Port specifically contribute to Gujarat’s maritime ambitions?

Expanding Liquid Cargo Capacity at Pipavav Port

APM terminals Pipavav, a leading port operator in Gujarat, India, is significantly enhancing its infrastructure wiht advancements to its liquid cargo jetty. This strategic development aims to bolster Gujarat’s position as a key maritime hub and cater to the growing demand for liquid bulk cargo handling. The project focuses on increasing efficiency, safety, and capacity for handling chemicals, petroleum products, and other liquid commodities. This expansion directly supports India’s increasing energy needs and growing chemical industry.

Project Details & Infrastructure Upgrades

The liquid cargo jetty upgrade encompasses several key improvements:

Increased Berth Length: Extension of the existing berth to accommodate larger vessels,reducing turnaround times and increasing throughput.

Enhanced Draft Depth: Deepening the draft to allow for fully laden very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and other large tankers.

State-of-the-Art Equipment: Installation of modern cargo handling equipment, including advanced pumping systems and automated transfer mechanisms.

Safety Enhancements: Implementation of advanced safety systems, including leak detection, fire suppression, and emergency response protocols, adhering to stringent international standards.

Storage Capacity: Expansion of liquid storage tanks within the port area to accommodate increased volumes.This includes dedicated tanks for various product types, ensuring segregation and quality control.

These upgrades are designed to position Pipavav port as a preferred destination for liquid cargo handling on the west coast of India. The project aligns with the ‘Sagarmala’ program, the Indian Government’s initiative to modernize and enhance port infrastructure.

Impact on Gujarat’s Maritime Sector

Gujarat is already a dominant force in India’s maritime trade, and the APM Terminals Pipavav jetty expansion will further solidify this position.

Economic Growth: The increased cargo handling capacity will attract more business to the region, stimulating economic growth and creating employment opportunities.

Reduced Logistics Costs: Faster turnaround times and efficient handling will lower logistics costs for businesses importing and exporting liquid cargo.

Enhanced Supply Chain efficiency: Improved infrastructure will contribute to a more reliable and efficient supply chain for critical commodities.

Attracting Investment: The modern facilities will attract further investment in related industries, such as petrochemicals and refining.

Port Capacity: The expansion adds significantly to the overall port capacity of Gujarat, easing congestion at other major ports.

Liquid Cargo Types handled at pipavav

Pipavav port is equipped to handle a diverse range of liquid cargo, including:

Crude Oil: A primary import for India’s refineries.

Petroleum Products: Including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.

Chemicals: A wide variety of industrial chemicals, including acids, solvents, and polymers.

Vegetable Oils: Used in the food processing industry.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): A key energy source for domestic and industrial use.

Molasses: A byproduct of sugar production, used in the alcohol industry.

Benefits for Stakeholders

The jetty expansion offers important benefits to various stakeholders:

Shippers: Reduced costs, faster turnaround times, and improved reliability.

Importers & Exporters: Streamlined logistics and access to a world-class port facility.

Gujarat State Government: Increased revenue, economic growth, and job creation.

APM terminals Pipavav: Enhanced market position and increased profitability.

Local Communities: Employment opportunities and economic development.

Technological integration & Sustainability

APM Terminals Pipavav is committed to integrating advanced technologies and enduring practices into its operations.

Real-time Monitoring: Implementation of real-time monitoring systems to track cargo movements and optimize operations.

Digitalization: Utilizing digital platforms for documentation, customs clearance, and dialog.

Environmental Protection: Implementing measures to minimize environmental impact, including spill prevention, waste management, and emissions control.

Green Initiatives: exploring the use of renewable energy sources to power port operations.

Automation: Increased automation of cargo handling processes to improve efficiency and safety.

Case Study: Impact of Increased Draft Depth

A recent case involving a VLCC carrying crude oil to Pipavav Port demonstrated the benefits of the