The Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) has received environmental clearance to dredge its approach channel to nearly 20 meters, up from its current depth of 14.4 meters, to accommodate large capesize vessels. The project, which is expected to take four years, will also involve the redevelopment of Berth 9 into a multi-cargo facility. Berth 9 was previously home to a mechanical ore handling plant and is the last berth the MPA has yet to monetize.
MPA is seeking government assistance and approvals from the central government to move forward with the project. The authority had previously tried to redevelop Berth 9 through a public-private partnership (PPP) but the proposal fell through due to uncertainty over the resumption of iron ore mining in Goa. MPA also held discussions with Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) to set up a ship repair facility, but those talks stalled as GSL’s offer was not in line with the port’s expectations. The port expects to complete the tendering process for the Berth 9 redevelopment by the end of this year, with construction taking about 24 months.