No Container Shortage in India's Maritime Sector, Confirms Ports Minister

India's Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal assured the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday that there is no acute shortage of containers for the country's maritime trade. He emphasised that the Directorate General of Shipping is encouraging Indian entities to own and operate containers as a long-term solution.

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Sonowal attributed recent challenges to the Red Sea crisis, which began in late 2023 and continued into early 2024. This crisis led to a significant diversion of ships from the Suez Canal to the Cape of Good Hope, increasing transit times by 35 to 40 per cent. Consequently, this caused delays at major global ports and elevated charter hire costs.

Port Capacity Expansion

Addressing a query on port capacity expansion, Sonowal highlighted substantial growth across all 12 major ports in India from 2014-15 to 2023-24. For instance, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port increased its capacity by 31.29 per cent, while Paradip Port saw a substantial rise of 141.86 per cent. Other ports, such as Chennai, Cochin, and New Mangalore, also reported notable increases.

Overall, Sonowal stated that the total capacity of these ports surged by 87.01 per cent, showcasing the government's commitment to enhancing maritime infrastructure. This expansion reflects significant efforts to boost India's port capacities and support maritime trade.

"There is no acute shortage of containers," Sonowal reiterated. He explained that promoting container ownership and operation by Indian entities is seen as a sustainable solution to potential future shortages.

The minister's comments provide reassurance about India's container availability for maritime trade despite recent global shipping challenges. The government's proactive measures aim to mitigate any adverse impacts on trade logistics.

In summary, while recent global events have posed challenges, India has taken steps to ensure container availability and expand port capacities significantly. These efforts underline the country's dedication to strengthening its maritime infrastructure and trade capabilities.