India is enhancing its port facilities: Kamarajar, Paradip, and Deendayal ports are progressing towards an 18-meter draft, allowing them to accommodate large "cape-size" ships, which can carry as much as 1,55,000 DWT.
Why It Matters
• Global Transshipment: At the moment, 75% of the cargo that is transshipped from India passes through Colombo, Singapore, and Port Klang—this is a gap that the expansions of these ports are intended to bridge.
• Trade Enhancement: Increased capacity will enable direct arrivals from international trade vessels, minimizing costs and transit times.
Big Picture
• The initial phase raised port drafts to 14 meters; they are now rapidly being upgraded to 18 meters.
• The future mega-port Vadhavan, designed for a 20-meter draft, is expected to manage 23 million TEUs—placing it among the largest globally.
Final Word
This infrastructure development could position India as a key regional transshipment center, enhancing both exports and imports while increasing shipping efficiency. Stay tuned for updates as dredging work concludes and berths start to be utilized.
