Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), India’s largest integrated transport utility and part of the Adani Group, witnessed a remarkable growth in cargo volumes during April 2023. The total cargo handled reached 32.3 million metric tons (MMT), showing a year-on-year increase of 12.8%. This growth can be attributed to a 9% rise in dry cargo volumes, including a significant surge in iron ore (64%), non-coking coal (22%), and coastal coal (67%). Additionally, container volumes experienced a robust increase of 13.6%.
Mr. Karan Adani, CEO and Whole Time Director of APSEZ, expressed his satisfaction with the growth in cargo volumes and attributed it to the company’s strategy of enhancing operational efficiency. He emphasized that this strategy would continue to contribute to the return on capital employed (ROCE) of port assets. Mr. Adani also shared positive news regarding the Dhamra LNG Terminal, announcing the successful berthing of its first ship and the commencement of natural gas flow through the connected pipeline network. This achievement aligns with APSEZ’s plan to commission the LNG terminal during the first quarter of fiscal year 2024.
Significant sequential growth in monthly volumes was observed at four ports: Krishnapatnam (5.2 MMT, +22.6% YoY), Dhamra (3.3 MMT, +36.8% YoY), Tuna (1.15 MMT, +57.6% YoY), and the combined ports of Katupalli and Ennore (1.7 MMT, +13.3%). The Gangavaram Port set a new record by handling the highest monthly count of rakes (88 Nos), primarily due to its coastal coal cargo operations for a customer. Mundra Liquid Terminal achieved a milestone by managing its largest shipment of vegetable oil, specifically soybean oil, weighing 61,841 metric tons, surpassing the previous highest shipment of palm oil, which stood at 57,000 metric tons.
Rail Infrastructure’s Significant Contribution
The investments made in rail infrastructure at APSEZ ports have significantly contributed to the improved operational performance. Dahej Port completed the extension of overhead electric lines, enabling the handling of rakes with electric locomotives of the Indian Railways. In line with the development of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) line until Dadri in April 2023, the double-stack rake services from ICD Dadri to Mundra Port will soon become operational. This connection, combined with the presence of the ICD at Patli, will further augment volumes at Mundra Port and Adani Logistics. In April, the total rail container volumes experienced a YoY growth of 22%, amounting to 47,122 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), while bulk cargo (GPWIS) volumes surged by 40% YoY, reaching 1.4 MMT. These ongoing advancements in the country’s rail network will continue to drive India’s Logistics Performance Index, in alignment with the government’s ambitious plans for the sector.