Visakhapatnam Port: A Gateway to Growth and Sustainability

The Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), a 91-year-old port on India’s Eastern Coast, continues to set benchmarks in growth, modernization, and sustainability. With a goal to handle 90 million tonnes of cargo in FY 2024-25—a more than 10% increase from the previous year—the port has already achieved 52 million tonnes, showcasing remarkable progress under the leadership of its Chairperson, Dr. Madhaiyaan Angamuthu.

Cruise Tourism Development

To promote tourism, VPA has launched the Vizag International Cruise Terminal (VICT), aiming to position Visakhapatnam as a global cruise destination under the Cruise Bharat Mission. A Rs. 15 crore public promenade is also being developed to enhance the region’s appeal. Collaborating with the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department to promote tourism and utilization of VICT.

 

Transition to an Asset-Light Model

To drive growth and strengthen its financial performance, VPA is transitioning to an asset-light model. By 2025, 17 berths will be privatized under PPP and O&M frameworks, aligning with the goal to become a 100% landlord port by 2030.

Recognition and Export Leadership

In a major achievement, VPA climbed from 115th position in 2022 to 19th in 2023 on the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI). The Visakhapatnam Container Terminal (VCT) is emerging as a regional transshipment hub, catering to Kolkata, Haldia, Paradip, Chittagong, and Yangon.

VPA also leads in marine product exports, handling 3.14 lakh metric tonnes worth ₹17,989 crore in FY 2023-24. To support this, the Fishing Harbour is undergoing modernization with an investment of Rs. 178 crore.

Infrastructure and Technology Upgrades

Strategic initiatives include:

• Expanding the custom bond area from 306 acres to over 600 acres.
• Upgrading the 4-lane port connectivity road to 10 lanes for improved logistics.
• Collaborating with IIT Chennai to increase draft depths to accommodate Cape vessels at the Inner Harbour.
• Strengthening container handling capacity to surpass 1 million TEUs by FY 2025-26.

 

Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship

Visakhapatnam Port is India’s first port to operate entirely on solar power, with a 10 MW solar plant already operational and another 10 MW under development. The port is upgrading its 10 MLD sewage treatment plant (STP) to 15 MLD to enhance water conservation efforts.

VPA was honored with the Samudri Paryavaran Sarankshan Trophy by the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard on November 5, 2024, recognizing its exceptional contributions to environmental protection and sustainability.

As part of its sustainability initiatives, VPA has:

• Signed an MoU with the Andhra Pradesh Greening and Beautification Corporation.
• Identified 186 acres for beautification and plantation.
• Planted 5.65 lakh trees across 650 acres.
• Launched a One Million Tree Plantation Drive on World Environment Day.

Strategic Position and Vision

Visakhapatnam Port is one of the Indian ports with relatively easy access to the Malacca Strait due to its central location on India's eastern coast, making it a vital gateway for container traffic heading towards Southeast Asia. VPA serves as a gateway for container traffic from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and other regions. VPA’s modernization efforts align with India’s Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, aiming to build a self-reliant and sustainable future through advanced infrastructure, mechanization, and environmental responsibility.

With its forward-thinking approach and commitment to excellence, Visakhapatnam Port Authority continues to uphold its reputation as a critical player in India’s maritime and trade ecosystem.