Port Pipavav, India's second port in the private sector after Mundra Port, is a port on the West Coast of India for containers, bulk and liquid cargo. Its lead promoter is APM Terminals, one of the largest container terminal operators in the world. The services include pilotage/towage, cargo handling and logistics support. Port Pipavav is located in Rajula Saurashtra, Gujarat, at a distance of 90 km South of Amreli, 15 km South of Rajula and 140 km South West of Bhavnagar. The port handles both bulk, container and liquid cargo.

Port of Pipavav
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Location
Country	India
Location	Pipavav
Coordinates	20°32′N 71°18′E / 20.54°N 71.30°E / 20.54; 71.30
Details
Opened	2002 (Commercial Operations)
Operated by	APM Terminals
Owned by	APM Terminals
Type of harbour	Multi-user, multi-commodity, all weather port
No. of berths	2 container berths, 2 bulk berths, 1 liquid cargo jetty
Employees	500+
Managing Director	Keld Pedersen

History

In 1986 the Indian government authorized an expenditure of 5 million rupees to initiate port development at Pipavav. Gujarat Pipavav Port was incorporated on August 5, 1992 to build, construct, operate and maintain the port at Pipavav, District Amreli, in the state of Gujarat, India. The company was initially promoted as a joint venture between GMB and SKIL Ports & Logistics of SKIL Infrastructure group(now known as Mercantile Ports and Logistics (MPL)).^[1]

In June 1998, Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) divested its stake in favour of SKIL Ports & Logistics. In 2000, the port formed a joint venture with Indian Railways to start Pipavav Rail Corporation Limited. Commercial operations started in 2002.^[2]

The APMM Group acquired a 13.5% equity interest in the company in June 2001. Pursuant to the share sale and purchase agreement dated March 30, 2005, SKIL Infrastructure, Nikhil Gandhi, Montana Valves and Compressors and Grevek Investment and Finance divested their shareholding in the company in favour of APM Terminals.^[3]

Shialbet Island

The port has a natural breakwater facing the wharves called Shialbet Island. The Island is inhabited by a small fishing community and is connected to the mainland.

Characteristics

The port is along the major trade routes and is close to the major Indian Port of Nhava Sheva (about 160 Nm). It has been dredged to 14.5 m draft. There are 8 Quay cranes for containers and 2 mobile harbor cranes for handling bulk cargo. It is a captive reefer port.^[4]