Adani CT5 Terminal at Mundra Port: Everything You Need to Know
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) is accelerating work on CT5, the fifth container terminal at Mundra Port. The project comes at a time when Mundra has solidified its position as India's largest container gateway, but faces new competition along the west coast.
This new terminal is set to unlock much-needed capacity and reshape container movement for North and West India.
What is CT5 at Mundra Port?
CT5 is the latest container handling facility being built by APSEZ at its flagship port in Gujarat. Mundra already operates multiple container terminals in partnership with global operators, and CT5 will be a wholly-owned APSEZ terminal.
The terminal is scheduled to become operational in *October*, marking a major milestone in Mundra's expansion master plan.
Capacity and Future Expansion: CT5 and CT6
The terminal is planned in two phases to allow for rapid scaling:
- *CT5 Phase 1:* Approx. 1 Million TEU per annum at commissioning
- *CT5 Phase 2:* Expansion to 1.8 - 2.0 Million TEU per annum
APSEZ is not stopping at CT5. The group has also outlined development of *CT6*, with a similar capacity profile, targeting Phase 1 operations by *2028*. Together, these two terminals will add nearly 4 Million TEU of new capacity to Mundra.
Why Mundra Needs CT5 Urgently
Mundra's container business has grown at a double-digit pace, pushing its existing terminals to saturation. The port complex handled over *3.6 Million TEU in the first half of 2026* across all its terminals.
Two key pressures make CT5 critical:
*1. Surge in Transhipment Traffic:* Leading global carriers have shifted significant transhipment volumes to Mundra, utilizing its deep draft and connectivity. This has increased berth occupancy beyond optimum levels.
*2. Hinterland Demand:* Cargo from the northern hinterland belt including Delhi NCR, Punjab, Haryana and Gujarat continues to prefer Mundra due to faster rail connectivity. Recent months have seen congestion on the landside, highlighting the need for more yard and berth space.
CT5 will directly ease these bottlenecks by adding new quay cranes, expanded yard area, and improved rail handling capability.
New Competition on the West Coast
The urgency to commission CT5 is also driven by two upcoming mega projects:
*DP World Terminal at Tuna Tekra*
Located near Deendayal Port, Kandla, just a short distance from Mundra, this $550 million terminal will bring 2.2 Million TEU of capacity. It is targeting operations from early 2027 and is expected to attract smaller services and ad-hoc calls looking for berthing flexibility.
*Vadhavan Deep Water Port*
Planned near Nhava Sheva, Vadhavan is being positioned as India's next-generation mega port capable of handling 21,000 TEU class ultra-large container vessels. The project is still in its bidding and development stage but is seen as a long-term game-changer for the west coast.
For now, Mundra retains an edge through its established carrier partnerships, private rail network, and proven operational efficiency.
Impact on Shippers, Forwarders and Shipping Lines
The launch of Adani CT5 terminal will deliver tangible benefits:
- Reduced waiting time and more weekly sailing options from Mundra
- Additional capacity for exporters and importers in North and Northwest India
- Stronger positioning of India as a direct call hub, reducing reliance on foreign transhipment ports
- Infrastructure ready for next-generation large vessels
*Conclusion*
The commissioning of CT5 is a strategic move by Adani Ports to stay ahead of demand and defend its market leadership. With capacity constraints already visible and rival terminals on the horizon, CT5 will be crucial to maintaining service reliability and supporting India's growing container trade.
For businesses dependent on west coast gateways, CT5 represents more berthing choice, improved productivity, and long-term stability at Mundra Port.
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