Visakhapatnam Port has emerged as the leading port for marine product shipments in India, handling 3,14,199 tonnes in FY24. These shipments were valued at ₹17,983.99 crore and $2,194 million in dollar terms.
In comparison, JNPT (Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust) handled 2,40,253 tonnes valued at ₹6,395.70 crore and $779.49 million, securing the second position. Cochin Port was placed third, handling 1,81,400 tonnes valued at ₹6,120 crore and $746.43 million.
Completing the top five were Chennai Port with 1,01,903 tonnes and Kolkata Port with 94,559 tonnes, valued at ₹4,655 crore and ₹4,452 crore, respectively. The remaining ports collectively handled 8,49,289 tonnes valued at ₹20,915 crore, according to the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA).
Record High Seafood Exports
India exported a record 17,81,602 tonnes of seafood worth ₹60,523.89 crore during FY24. This achievement came despite challenges in overseas demand in major export destinations. India exported marine products to 132 countries, with the US and China emerging as the major importers. Frozen shrimp continued to be the major export item.
Factors Contributing to Vizag’s Top Position
Industry sources highlighted several factors contributing to Visakhapatnam Port’s top position:
Andhra Pradesh’s Aquaculture Industry: Andhra Pradesh is the major shrimp-producing region in India, primarily due to its thriving aquaculture industry and a high percentage of Vanammei shrimp varieties.
Exports from Odisha: Exports of seafood products from Odisha also played a significant role in Visakhapatnam’s emergence as the leading port in the country.
For JNPT, shipments from Gujarat enabled the port to secure the second slot.
Conclusion
The performance of Visakhapatnam Port as the top seafood export hub underscores India’s robust marine product export capabilities and the strategic importance of port infrastructure in supporting the aquaculture industry. As India continues to expand its export reach, the role of these key ports will be crucial in maintaining and enhancing the country’s position in the global seafood market.
You Might Be Interested In:
