NMPA Offers Up to 50% Rebate on Vessel Charges to Boost Container Traffic
Mangaluru: In a significant initiative to promote containerised cargo movement and enhance the competitiveness of New Mangalore Port, the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) has announced enhanced rebates on Vessel-Related Charges (VRC) for feeder and mainline container vessels.
To facilitate the growth of container traffic and strengthen its competitive position vis-à-vis neighbouring ports, NMPA has introduced the following concessions:
- 35% rebate on berth hire, port dues and pilotage charges for feeder-line container vessels.
- 50% rebate on berth hire, port dues and pilotage charges for mainline container vessels.
The revised rebate structure will be applicable to container vessels berthed at New Mangalore Port between November 3, 2026, and March 31, 2027, specifically for handling containerised cargo. These concessions will not apply to other ancillary activities such as vessel flag changes, bunkering and related services.
The initiative aims to attract additional container vessel calls, encourage greater participation by feeder and mainline shipping operators, and improve the overall cost competitiveness of the port. The enhanced incentives are also expected to encourage shipping lines to consider New Mangalore Port as a preferred gateway for containerised cargo movement, benefiting exporters, importers and the wider trade community.
The port handled 1,92,307 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) during the financial year 2025–26. With the introduction of the revised incentive policy, NMPA aims to achieve further growth in containerised cargo volumes.
Through these proactive trade facilitation measures, NMPA continues to focus on strengthening its container-handling ecosystem, expanding hinterland connectivity and positioning New Mangalore Port as a competitive maritime gateway for the trade and industry of Karnataka and neighbouring regions.
In addition to the above initiative, the port has also introduced an incentive scheme offering a 20% rebate on cargo-related charges for the export of iron ore fines and lumps. Eligible exporters can avail themselves of the concession from September 23, 2026, subject to fulfilment of the prescribed criteria.