Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd (GPPL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with NYK India Private Limited to upgrade its roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) infrastructure. The collaboration aims to enable the port to handle up to 500,000 cars annually, bolstering India's vehicle-export capacity - including electric vehicles - and improving vessel-to-rail coordination. With this, Pipavav is set to strengthen its position as a key automotive logistics hub on India's west coast, aligning with recent expansions and rising cargo throughput. The move reflects growing demand for efficient vehicle exports and integrated multimodal connectivity.
Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd has formalised a strategic partnership with NYK India Private Limited through a non-binding MoU earlier this week, intending to significantly expand its Ro-Ro capabilities. The agreement targets the creation of infrastructure capable of handling up to 500,000 cars annually, with a specific focus on supporting India's rising exports of vehicles - including electric vehicles - and ensuring streamlined logistics operations.
Under the partnership, the port aims to reduce dwell times and improve synchronisation between maritime vessels and rail freight, anticipating a surge in rail-linked automotive cargo. This reflects a broader strategy by Pipavav to position itself as a major automotive exports gateway on the country's west coast.
This development comes amid a broader expansion trajectory for the port. Recently, GPPL inked a large-scale investment MoU with the state maritime board to broaden capacity across container, bulk, liquid and Ro-Ro cargo segments. The proposed enhancements include deeper berths, modern terminals and integrated multimodal rail and road connectivity - thus reinforcing the port's multi-cargo capabilities while addressing evolving trade and export demands.
In parallel, recent throughput figures point to a sharp rise in Ro-Ro volumes at Pipavav, underscoring growing trust from automobile manufacturers and exporters in the port's facilities and logistic efficiency. This trend suggests the new Ro-Ro infrastructure could further catalyse growth in vehicle exports, backed by improved handling capacity and faster turnaround times.
Overall, the partnership with NYK India represents a deliberate effort by Pipavav to future-proof its operations by marrying increased capacity, multimodal logistics integration and readiness for EV logistics to meet growing domestic and international demand for automotive exports.
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