Mormugao port to restart container operations after seven-year gap

Container shipping is set to return to Goa’s Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) after a seven-year break, marking a significant revival for the state maritime and logistics ecosystem. The port, which last handled containers in 2018, will resume operations in late November 2025.

Port officials confirmed that the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) has been selected to operate the new feeder service. The vessel SCI Mumbai is scheduled to call at Mormugao on 20 November, signalling the formal restart of container movements through the port.

The development has been welcomed by Goa’s trade community, which has long sought the reinstatement of container services to reduce logistics costs and dependence on road transport to ports in neighbouring states. Exporters believe the service will help streamline supply chains and improve turnaround times.

“This milestone will significantly enhance Goa’s export and import potential while strengthening the region’s maritime connectivity,” said Vishnu Prasad, Senior Business Development Manager at Delta Ports (Mormugao Terminal Pvt Ltd), the operator of the container terminal.

Industry analysts say the move positions Mormugao Port to reclaim relevance as a regional logistics hub, supporting Goa’s expanding industrial base and boosting its participation in coastal and international trade.