New Mangalore Port Authority Addresses Maritime Challenges and Celebrates Record Cargo Handling
Mangalore: The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) successfully hosted a Maritime Seminar on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, focusing on “Maritime Adversities and Role of Stakeholders” and the “Indian Port Act 2025.” The event, held in Mangalore, convened a diverse group of maritime stakeholders, industry experts, port users, and government officials to discuss pressing challenges facing the maritime sector and to examine the implications of the Indian Port Act 2025 in bolstering port governance and operational efficiency.
Smt. S. Shanthi, Deputy Chairperson, New Mangalore Port Authority, presided over the function. Sri Darshan H. V. (IAS), Deputy Commissioner, Dakshina Kannada, officiated as the Chief Guest, while Shri Nandakumar V. Pillai, Director (Refinery), MRPL, was present as the Guest of Honour.
In her presidential address, Smt. Shanthi emphasized the necessity of stakeholder coordination, proactive preparedness, and adopting industry best practices to effectively address maritime challenges and enhance operational efficiency across ports. She further highlighted the significance of the Indian Port Act 2025 in strengthening regulatory frameworks and improving governance within the port sector. Smt. Shanthi also drew attention to the importance of Maritime Week, emphasizing the strength and future of the maritime sector and the invaluable contributions of ports, shipping, seafarers, and all stakeholders in facilitating trade and logistics.
Chief Guest Sri Darshan H. V. (IAS) lauded NMPA’s initiative in organizing the seminar, emphasizing the need for robust coordination between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and port authorities to address maritime risks, ensure security, and maintain seamless port operations.
Guest of Honour Shri Nandakumar V. Pillai emphasized the importance of collaboration between the port and related industries, highlighting the critical role of ports in ensuring energy security and fostering industrial growth within the region.
Capt. Manoj Joshi, Deputy Conservator, NMPA, commenced the seminar with a welcoming
The seminar included technical sessions led by Capt. L. K. Panda, Former Nautical Adviser, Government of India, and Capt. Anand W. Karkare, Former Deputy Conservator, Mumbai Port Authority. These sessions offered insights into maritime adversities, risk mitigation strategies, and regulatory aspects as defined by the Indian Port Act 2025.
The event saw significant participation from maritime stakeholders, including shipping agents, port users, logistics operators, and officials representing various government and private organizations.
NMPA Celebrates Record Cargo Handling Milestone
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, NMPA announced a historic achievement: handling 50.04 Million Tonnes (MT) of cargo during the financial year 2025–26. This represents the port’s highest-ever annual cargo throughput and is particularly significant as it coincides with the Port’s 50th financial year, marking a landmark accomplishment in its Golden Jubilee year.
This record performance underscores the sustained growth, operational efficiency, and strong collaborative relationships between the Port and its stakeholders. The achievement further solidifies NMPA’s position as a key maritime gateway on the west coast of India.
NMPA expressed its sincere gratitude to MRPL, KIOCL, JSW, HPCL, IOCL, BPCL, and other valued port users for their continued support and trust in the Port’s services. The Port also acknowledged the vital role played by Customs, Mangalore; the Mercantile Marine Department; the Port Health Organization; State Government departments; trade bodies; logistics partners; and all stakeholders whose coordinated efforts contributed to achieving this milestone.
The Port also commended the dedicated efforts of its employees, officers, and service providers, whose commitment and teamwork under the leadership of Shri Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME, Chairman, and Smt. S. Shanthi, Deputy Chairperson, NMPA, enabled the Port to achieve this record-breaking performance.
This historic achievement reflects NMPA’s ongoing commitment to enhancing efficiency, expanding cargo handling capabilities, and supporting regional trade and economic growth. The milestone was celebrated with a cake-cutting ceremony in the evening, attended by port employees, users, and stakeholders.