Mangalore, India
Mangalore: A vibrant port city where Arabian Sea trade, ancient temples, and coastal culture converge.
Port Overview
Mangalore, located on India’s southwestern coast in Karnataka, is a major port city along the Arabian Sea. Ranking fourth among Karnataka’s largest cities, it serves as the administrative center of Dakshina Kannada district and is a key gateway for maritime trade. Its strategic position between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea makes it vital for container, petroleum, and mineral exports. The port handles over 100,000 TEUs annually, supporting regional and international shipping and contributing significantly to India’s coastal commerce.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Mangalore’s New Mangalore Port features key terminals for bulk, liquid, and container cargo, including dedicated berths for crude oil, LPG, and POL products. The port is equipped with deep-draft berths, modern container handling facilities, advanced warehousing, and covered storage sheds. Cargo operations are supported by mobile harbor cranes, container handling equipment, and mechanized cargo systems. While AGVs are not currently in use, the port continues to upgrade its infrastructure for efficiency and capacity.
Container Terminals
Mangalore’s container terminal operations are centered at New Mangalore Port, which features 14 berths overall, with Berth No. 14 (350 meters, 14-meter draft) as the primary container facility. The terminal, operated by JSW Mangalore Container Terminal Pvt Ltd under a PPP model, has a current capacity of about 200,000 TEUs, expandable to 350,000 TEUs. It is mechanized with advanced equipment like mobile harbor cranes, offering a moderate level of automation. JSW Infrastructure is the major operator, driving growth in containerized cargo handling for both domestic and international trade.
Port Services
- Container handling: Dedicated container terminals with modern equipment, supporting direct calls by major shipping lines and efficient turnaround for containerized cargo.
- Cargo operations: Handles a wide range of cargo including dry bulk (iron ore, coal, fertilizers), liquid bulk (petroleum, LPG, chemicals), break-bulk, and project cargo.
- Ship services: Berthing, pilotage, bunkering, fresh water supply, waste disposal, and vessel repair support.
- Warehousing: Ample covered and open storage areas for various cargo types, including specialized sheds for sensitive goods.
- Customs: On-site customs clearance with single-window documentation, facilitating smooth import and export processes.
Global Connectivity
Mangalore's connectivity is robust, with New Mangalore Port serving as a major hub. It is linked to three national highways and has rail and air connectivity. The port is strategically located near international shipping routes, facilitating trade with major markets. It handles a variety of cargo, including bulk, liquid chemicals, and containers, making it a key logistical point for regional trade.
Port Statistics
Port: New Mangalore, India
TEU Throughput (2024-25): Approximately 170,000–180,000 TEUs annually; record monthly throughput of 21,425 TEUs in July 2025
World Ranking: Not in the global top 100 container ports
Number of Berths: 17
Port Area: 282 hectares
Shipping Lines: Served by major global and regional carriers, including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, and others.
