General cargo traffic at Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) has increased to 7.22 lakh tonnes in June, registering an increase of 32 per cent over the corresponding month last year.
The main commodities handled were coking coal, HR coils, bauxite, granite, and wood chips. Similarly, general cargo traffic during the first quarter increased by 12 per cent over the corresponding quarter last year to 2.51 million tonnes.
P. Mara Pandiyan, Chairman of MPT, on Thursday, said “ Export of pharmaceuticals through containers through the port has started picking up. Indoco Remedies has begun exporting containers through the port.
At a meeting held with the pharma companies at the Verna Industrial estate, it was suggested that a one-to-one discussion with the shipping lines for negotiations be organised and that the port authorities should organise another meeting by the end of July or first week of August wherein senior officials of pharma companies from Mumbai could join the meeting.” Mr. Pandiyan further said that the port was conducting an interactive meeting with cruise lines/agents to improve the facilities at the port, and increase the frequency of cruise vessels calling at the Mormugao port.
A meeting with traders was also held in connection with the operation of the Harbour Mobile Crane (HMC). Productivity of the port would be further boosted after the HMC commenced operations, he said.
The Port has been going all out to woo traders and industries from neighbouring districts of Belgaum, Kolhapur and Hubli.
