Ocean Network Express (ONE), a leading global container shipping company, is planning to commence container movement from Mormugao Port after the monsoon season. With support from local port operators and ongoing talks with major logistics players, this development is poised to boost Goa’s trade capacity. The initiative aims to reduce road transport reliance and improve international market access for local businesses.
ONE’s leadership recently toured Mormugao Port to assess its container handling capabilities. The visit marks a strong signal of interest in launching post-monsoon services, backed by infrastructure readiness and strategic incentives. As a major player in global shipping, ONE’s operations in Goa would open new trade corridors, aligning with national logistics and port connectivity goals while offering exporters more efficient and cost-effective shipment options directly from the state.
Simultaneously, Delta Ports, which manages Berths 10 and 11, is in advanced talks with the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) to integrate Mormugao into the SMILE (SCI-Middle-East-India-Liner-Express) service. This inclusion could facilitate cargo transport for commodities like salt, tiles, bentonite, and other industrial goods. Port authorities believe this would significantly reduce road congestion, cut transport costs, and enhance shipping efficiency for Goa’s manufacturing and mineral sectors.
Other shipping firms, including Unifeeder, are also exploring Goa’s potential as a viable container hub. Feasibility studies are underway to connect Mormugao Port with key global players like CMA CGM, Maersk, MSC, HMM, and ONE. These developments are being closely watched by Goa’s exporters, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), who are seeking better port access to remain competitive in international markets.
The move to operationalise container shipping through Mormugao Port signals a transformative shift in Goa’s trade logistics landscape. It promises to bridge connectivity gaps for exporters, reduce logistics costs, and encourage industrial growth. With multiple shipping lines now considering Goa for strategic expansion, the port could emerge as a vital node in India’s maritime trade network—empowering MSMEs and scaling up export potential from the region.
The proposed launch of container services at Mormugao Port by Ocean Network Express, alongside ongoing efforts to include Goa in SCI’s SMILE service, marks a major logistics breakthrough for the region. By easing cargo movement and enabling direct maritime connectivity, the plan is set to benefit exporters and industries alike. With coordinated support, Mormugao may soon become a key export gateway for Goa’s growing economy.
