Mumbai Port marked a significant milestone in India’s maritime and automotive export sector as Höegh Aurora, the world’s largest roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel, called at the offshore container terminal operated by Indira Container Terminal Pvt Ltd (ICTPL). The vessel’s arrival further reinforces Mumbai Port’s growing importance as a key gateway for automobile exports from India.
The Norwegian-flagged carrier, measuring 200 metres in length, is capable of transporting up to 9,100 Car Equivalent Units (CEUs), making it the largest vessel of its kind globally. During its visit, the ship loaded 1,287 vehicles before departing, highlighting the port’s capability to handle large-scale automotive export operations efficiently.
Höegh Aurora represents a new generation of environmentally advanced vehicle carriers. Equipped with dual-fuel propulsion technology and several green innovations, the vessel has been designed to significantly reduce emissions while improving operational efficiency. Its successful handling at Mumbai Port underscores ICTPL’s ability to accommodate some of the world’s largest and most technologically sophisticated Ro-Ro ships.
Mumbai Port continues to play a crucial role in supporting exports from the Pune-Chakan automobile manufacturing belt, often referred to as India’s “Detroit” due to its concentration of major automotive production facilities. The vessel’s call further strengthens the port’s strategic position in facilitating vehicle exports to international markets.
ICTPL, promoted by AJR Infrastructure and Tolling (formerly Gammon Infrastructure Projects), has been steadily enhancing its automotive logistics infrastructure. The terminal is also planning to introduce shore power facilities in the near future, enabling vessels such as Höegh Aurora to reduce emissions while berthed at the port.
Speaking on the development, Subhrarabinda Birabar, CEO, ICTPL, acknowledged the support extended by Mumbai Port Authority, ICTPL’s promoters, and Höegh Autoliners, noting their continued confidence in the terminal’s operational capabilities since 2015.
“The call of the world’s largest Pure Car and Truck Carrier at Mumbai Port proves the dominance of India in automotive export potential and makes the country future-ready for the ultimate leadership position in this domain,” Birabar added.
Source: ET Infra
