Why is it in the News?

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) on Sunday said its flagship Mundra Port has created yet another record by welcoming the largest container ship to call at an Indian port.

About Mundra Port:

• Mundra Port is the largest private and container port in India.
• It is situated on the northern shores of the Gulf of Kutch, near Mundra in the Kutch district of Gujarat.
• It is a deep-draft, all-weather port and a designated special economic zone (SEZ).
• Mundra Port handles 33% of India's container traffic and is a critical hub for the nation's trade.

Ownership and Operations:

• Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ), India's largest commercial port operator, oversees nearly one-fourth of the country's cargo movement.

Handling Capacity:

• Capacity: The port has a capacity of 260 million metric tons (MMT) and handled over 155 MMT in the fiscal year 2022-23, which represents nearly 11% of India’s maritime cargo.
• Facilities: Equipped with 26 berths and two single-point moorings, Mundra Port can accommodate a diverse range of vessels and cargo types, including containers, dry bulk, break bulk, liquid cargo, and automobiles.
• Coal Terminal: It hosts the country's largest coal import terminal, ensuring rapid cargo processing with minimal turnaround time.
• Connectivity: The port's rail network connects seamlessly with the national rail system, facilitating cargo transportation to any location in India.

What is MSC Anna?

• MSC Anna is the largest container ship ever to dock at an Indian port.
  • Size: The vessel measures 399.98 meters in length, approximately the length of four football fields, making it one of the largest container ships globally.
  • Capacity: MSC Anna can carry up to 19,200 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units).

With an arrival draft of 16.3 meters, it can only be accommodated at Adani Ports' Mundra Port, as no other port in India has the capability to berth such a deep-draft vessel.

Why in the News?

Mundra Port in Gujarat has completed 25 years of its operations, highlighting its expansion and evolution as one of the largest ports globally.

About Mundra Port:

• Mundra Port stands as India's largest private and container port, situated on the north shores of the Gulf of Kutch near Mundra in the Kutch district of Gujarat.
• As a deep-draft, all-weather port, it holds the distinction of being a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
• Managed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ), the port is a pivotal player in India's cargo movement, accounting for nearly one-fourth of the nation's total.
• Mundra Port plays a crucial role in managing 33% of the country's container traffic.
• Key Features: Strategic Location: Positioned on the Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat.
• Handling Capacity: With an impressive capacity of 260 MMT, the port efficiently manages over 155 MMT (FY 2022-23), contributing to almost 11% of India's maritime cargo.
• Infrastructure: Boasting 26 berths and two single-point moorings, the port accommodates diverse vessels and handles various cargo types, including containers, dry bulk, break bulk, liquid cargo, and automobiles.
• Coal Import Terminal: Home to the nation's largest coal import terminal, Mundra facilitates swift cargo evacuation with minimal turnaround time.
• Rail Connectivity: The port's rail network is seamlessly integrated into the national rail network, ensuring efficient cargo handling for destinations across India.