State-owned Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) handled 91.17 million tonnes (mt) of cargo in FY26, registering a growth of 10.34 per cent over the previous year's throughput of 82.62 mt.

The port, one of the dozen owned by the Union government, recorded an absolute increase of 8.55 mt, reflecting sustained operational efficiency, improved logistics coordination, and a strategic focus on cargo diversification, M Angamuthu, Chairman, Visakhapatnam Port Authority, said.

Crude oil emerged as a major contributor, growing by 2.45 mt (+15.1 per cent), iron ore and pellets recorded an increase of 1.61 MMT (+13.9 per cent), thermal coal witnessed a strong surge with 1.42 mt addition, indicating expansion in energy cargo handling.

BF slag, coke and coke fines registered growth of 119.4 per cent and 140.2 per cent, respectively.

New and emerging cargo streams, such as anthracite coal, further strengthened overall throughput.

The port handled export cargo of 33.67 mt, up 19.4 per cent, while imports reached 57.45 mt, up 5.5 per cent.

The growth momentum was broad-based across the bulk, breakbulk, and liquid cargo segments, underscoring the port's ability to efficiently handle diverse cargo profiles and cater to evolving trade requirements.

"The cargo-wise comparative analysis for the current financial year reflects a robust and encouraging performance across multiple commodities, demonstrating improved operational efficiency and diversified cargo handling," Angamuthu said.

"During FY26, several key commodities registered notable growth over the previous financial year. Commodities such as alumina recorded a healthy increase in volume, indicating sustained demand and efficient handling mechanisms. Similarly, anthracite coal exhibited a significant surge, reflecting either the introduction of new traffic streams or enhanced handling capacity. The increase in tonnage across various cargo segments highlights the port's growing competitiveness and ability to attract and handle higher volumes, both in traditional and emerging cargo streams," Angamuthu said.

"This impressive growth in cargo throughput underscores our resilience and forward-looking approach in an evolving trade environment. By enhancing efficiency and expanding our cargo basket, Visakhapatnam Port Authority is well-positioned to support India's growing maritime and economic ambitions. The strong growth achieved this year is not just a number-it reflects increased industrial activity, stronger trade linkages, and improved logistics efficiency. Visakhapatnam Port Authority will continue to play a pivotal role in driving regional and national economic growth," Angamuthu added.

Source: ET Infra. Com

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