Industry Odisha Bureau, Jun 25: In a bid to effect a surge in operational efficiency as well as boost up cargo volumes, the Indian Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has reportedly reduced the turnaround time from 93.59 hours to overall 48.06 hours.
As per a press release of Press Information Bureau (PIB) on behalf of the MoPSW, Government of India: “The average turnaround time for the Major Ports has reduced from 93.59 hours in 2013-14 to 48.06 hours in 2023-24, a reduction of 48.65% since the government has taken various steps to improve the turnaround time such as the construction of new berths, terminals, and parking plazas, mechanization/ modernization/optimization of existing berths and terminals, streamlining of processes through digitalization, expansion of hinterland connectivity through rail and road, etc.”
The PIB has also shared details of port-wise turnaround time of major Indian ports for the financial year (FY) 2023-24.
Accordingly, the turnaround time of the following major Indian ports in FY 2023-24:
‘Deendayal Port is registered as 54.24 hours’
‘Mumbai Port – 62.97 hours’
‘Mormugao Port – 65.61 hours’
‘Visakhapatnam Port – 65.86 hours’
‘Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Port – 60.85 hours’
‘V.O Chidambaranar Port – 51.36 hours’
‘Chennai Port – 44.92 hours’
‘Kamarajar Port – 44.37 hours’
‘Paradip Port – 41.61 hours’
‘New Mangalore Port – 40.44 hours’
‘Cochin Port – 33.4 hours’
‘Jawaharlal Nehru Port – 26 hours’
Further sharing information given by the Union MoPSW, the PIB press release has also mentioned: “Berth allocation and vessel sequencing in Major Port is done as per the Berthing Policy issued by Ministry. Infrastructure development and capacity augmentation of Major Ports is a continuous process. It involves the construction of new berths and terminals, mechanization of existing berths and terminals, capital dredging for deepening of drafts for attracting larger vessels, development of road and rail connectivity, etc.”
Notably, “Turnaround Time in port operations is a critical factor that influences the overall efficiency of global shipping and logistics. It refers to the duration a vessel spends in port from arrival to departure, including unloading and loading cargo, refuelling, and other necessary operations. This duration is influenced by several factors, including berth availability, terminal layout, crane productivity, customs clearance, and intermodal connectivity.”
Hence, “Efficient turnaround times are crucial for optimizing vessel utilization and maximizing profitability. Shorter turnaround times allow for increased vessel productivity, reduced idle periods, and improved transportation efficiency. Ports that manage vessel flow effectively become preferred calls for major shipping lines, and automation has transformed port operations by improving precision and consistency.”
