Pipavav, India

Port Overview

Pipavav Port is located in Gujarat's Amreli district on India's west coast, approximately 152 nautical miles northwest of Mumbai. As India's first public-private partnership port, it operates under APM Terminals management. The port ranks among India's most efficient container facilities, achieving 26th position globally in the World Bank's Container Port Performance Index, outperforming larger ports like Mundra and Jawaharlal Nehru Port. With an annual container handling capacity of 1.35 million TEUs, Pipavav serves as a strategic gateway providing immediate connectivity to northwest India's major industrial markets through robust road and rail links, handling containers, bulk, liquid, and roll-on/roll-off cargo.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Pipavav Port in Gujarat features a modern container terminal with a capacity of about 1.2 million TEUs annually, multiple dedicated container berths, and advanced tracking systems. It has specialized terminals for dry bulk, break-bulk, liquid cargo, and project cargo, supported by extensive storage yards and covered areas. Key equipment includes ship-to-shore cranes, mobile harbor cranes, and advanced material handling systems. The port also offers efficient rail and road connectivity, but does not currently operate AGVs.

Container Terminals

Pipavav Port, located in Gujarat, is India’s first major private port and a key gateway on the west coast. It currently operates five berths with a container handling capacity of 1.35 million TEUs annually, alongside significant dry bulk and liquid cargo capabilities. The port is managed by APM Terminals, a global leader in port operations. While Pipavav features modern equipment and advanced terminal systems, it is not fully automated; operations rely on a mix of automated and manual processes. Expansion plans are underway to further increase capacity and diversify cargo handling.

Port Services

• Container handling: Dedicated container berths, advanced cranes, and yard operations for efficient loading, unloading, and storage of containers.
• Cargo operations: Handles bulk, liquid, roll-on/roll-off (RoRo), and project cargo with mechanized systems and deep-draft berths.
• Ship services: Includes pilotage, towage, berthing, and marine support for vessels.
• Warehousing: On-site storage, cold storage, buffer yard, and container freight station facilities.
• Customs: Full customs examination, direct port delivery, and RMS port clearance services.

Global Connectivity

Pipavav Port in India offers robust connectivity through its rail and road networks, serving the northwest hinterland. It connects to major inland container depots and container freight stations in North and Northwest India. Strategically, it facilitates efficient trade with key markets via its integration with the Indian Railways network and proximity to major shipping routes.

Port Statistics

Pipavav Port Key Statistics

• TEU Throughput: Annual container handling capacity is approximately 1.35 million TEUs.
• World Ranking: Ranked 41st globally in the 2023 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI); previously ranked 30th in 2022.
• Number of Berths: Information on exact berth count is not publicly specified in recent reports, but it operates as a medium-sized container terminal.
• Area: Specific terminal area details are not widely published, but the port is located on the west coast of India in Gujarat.
• Shipping Lines: APM Terminals (part of A.P. Moller-Maersk) is the major operator and shareholder; the port serves multiple international and domestic shipping lines, leveraging its connectivity to the Dedicated Freight Corridor.
• Notable Features: Known for efficient operations, strong rail and road connectivity, and a focus on sustainability, including solar power initiatives. The port plays a key role in agricultural exports and has invested in multi-modal logistics infrastructure.