Mumbai Port to Add Crude Oil Jetties and Auto Hub Expansion

Mumbai Port Authority is examining expansion proposals that include new crude-oil jetties, petroleum-product berths, and chemical facilities. The plans aim to increase capacity for crude and petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL) cargo to support refinery output from BPCL, HPCL, and upcoming projects in Maharashtra.

POL cargo remains the backbone of Mumbai Port, accounting for nearly three-fifths of its overall traffic. Vessel-borne crude-oil volumes increased 52 per cent to 26.24 million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2025-26 from 17.22 MMT in 2011-12. A 10 per cent increase in vessel-borne POL cargo could add about 4.5 MMT to the port’s annual throughput.

The Authority is looking at the potential for LNG bunkering, particularly at Jawahar Dweep. Angamuthu, Chairperson of the MbPA, noted that the location is suited to act as a future LNG bunker hub due to its proximity to the maritime route connecting the mid-east to the far-east.

Mumbai Port has a state-of-the-art facility for handling Roll-on/Roll-off Vessels. During FY 2025-26, the Port handled about 0.81 lakhs EXIM automobiles. The port’s proximity to auto major OEMs within the state, along with road and rail connectivity to manufacturing clusters in Pune, Chakan, and Sanand, provides a locational advantage.

The cargo basket itself is changing in step with the economy it serves. In a recent roll-on, roll-off call, the Port discharged 861 heavy-duty electric trucks from the MV GRANDE SHANGHAI in a single operation. This consignment represents a shift in the types of vehicles moving through Indian ports.

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The Port is actively considering creating a storage facility within its Docks to accommodate about one lakh automobiles. With Auto Majors setting up plants at Aurangabad, Mumbai Port is expected to be a primary choice for shipment of their EXIM automobiles.

Mumbai Port is also envisaging the creation of facilities for cement silos to store domestic cement received in railway wagons. This would create the capacity to handle 2.0 MMT of cement for distribution throughout Mumbai.

Angamuthu stated that the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is finalising a Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme. The authority sees ample scope for the Port to handle domestic automobiles. Compared to road haulage, these waterborne modes generate only a fraction of the emissions per tonne-kilometre, which supports sustainable freight transportation.

Record Throughput

MbPA recorded an all-time high in total cargo handled. The achievement highlights the operational efficiency of the facility.

Mumbai Port has handled an all-time high of 75.15 MMT in 2025-26, compared with 53.32 MMT in 2020-21. This represents a compound annual growth rate of about 7 per cent over 5 years.