<p data-path-to-node="1">The <b data-path-to-node="1" data-index-in-node="12">Paradip Port Authority (PPA)</b> has emerged as a frontrunner in India's maritime sector, securing multiple prestigious accolades at the <b data-path-to-node="1" data-index-in-node="145">Sagar Aankalan Awards</b>. The awards, presented by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, recognize the port's exceptional performance in operational efficiency and cargo management.</p><h4 data-path-to-node="2"><b data-path-to-node="2" data-index-in-node="0">National Rankings and Performance Milestones</b></h4><p data-path-to-node="3">The recognition follows a rigorous assessment of various performance parameters, including turnaround time and infrastructure utilization:</p><ul data-path-to-node="4"><li><p data-path-to-node="4,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="4,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Leader in Dry Bulk:</b> Paradip secured the <b data-path-to-node="4,0,0" data-index-in-node="40">Rank 1</b> position nationally for dry bulk cargo handling among ports managing over five million tonnes.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="4,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="4,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">Container Performance:</b> The port achieved the <b data-path-to-node="4,1,0" data-index-in-node="45">Rank 3</b> position for container cargo handling in the category for ports managing less than 0.5 million TEUs.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="4,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="4,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Benchmarking Success:</b> These honors were conferred during the launch of the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) for the 2024–25 fiscal year.</p></li></ul><h4 data-path-to-node="5"><b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="0">Strategic Expansion and Modernization Roadmap</b></h4><p data-path-to-node="6">PPA Chairman P.L. Haranadh highlighted that the awards reflect the port's ongoing commitment to the <b data-path-to-node="6" data-index-in-node="100">Maritime India Vision 2030</b> and the <b data-path-to-node="6" data-index-in-node="135">PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan</b>. To maintain its competitive edge, the port is executing an aggressive growth strategy:</p><ul data-path-to-node="7"><li><p data-path-to-node="7,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="7,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Infrastructure Growth:</b> Plans are underway to increase the number of berths to 23, specifically adding five new cape-capable berths.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="7,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="7,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">Capacity Targets:</b> The port aims to scale its handling capacity from the current 290 million tonnes to <b data-path-to-node="7,1,0" data-index-in-node="102">350 million tonnes by 2030</b>.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="7,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="7,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Sustainable Diversification:</b> Current tenders include specialized terminals for green hydrogen, green ammonia, and dedicated container handling.</p></li></ul><p data-path-to-node="8">This national recognition solidifies Paradip's status as a critical hub in India’s logistics network, successfully integrating high-volume traditional cargo with future-ready sustainable energy initiatives.</p>