Vessel and container turnaround times at Major Ports down: Minister

India’s maritime sector is witnessing steady gains in efficiency, driven by focused efforts in port modernisation and logistics reforms. The average vessel turnaround time at Major Ports has improved from 52.87 hours in 2021-22 to 49.47 hours in 2024-25, while container turnaround time has reduced from 32.39 hours to 30.08 hours, reflecting faster operations and improved port performance.

To further boost coastal and inland waterways, the Union Budget 2026-27 has announced a Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme aimed at increasing the share from 6% to 12% by 2047. Measures such as discounted port charges, priority berthing, green channel clearance and reduced GST on bunker fuel are supporting coastal shipping, while infrastructure development, policy incentives and enhanced navigation systems are strengthening inland waterways, building a more efficient, cost-effective and globally competitive maritime ecosystem, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, informed Parliament.

Please visit our youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ikargos2719 for fortnightly logistics news analysis and more!