Move to set up LNG terminal, mechanised fertilizer handling berth at New Mangalore Port dropped, says Union Minister

Sat Dec 07 17:32:09 UTC 2024: **Mangaluru LNG Terminal Plan Scrapped Due to Lack of Space**

**Mangaluru, December 7, 2024** – The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced today that plans for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at New Mangalore Port (NMP) have been abandoned. The project, part of the UNNATI initiative, was deemed unfeasible due to a lack of suitable land within the port.

The minister, responding to a parliamentary question, also revealed that another UNNATI project – a mechanized fertilizer handling berth – was scrapped due to poor market response. However, several other UNNATI projects at NMP have been successfully completed, including a three-shift deployment for tugs and pilot boats to reduce overtime costs, and initiatives to increase container cargo and improve service levels.

Separately, Sonowal stated that eight projects totaling ₹493 crore have been sanctioned for Karnataka under the Sagarmala scheme. Three projects are complete, including the modernization of fishing harbors at Amadalli and Malpe, and a coastal skills development program. Five projects are currently underway, focusing on fishing harbor development, coastal cargo berths, further skills development, and infrastructure improvements.

Furthermore, the minister highlighted 13 completed infrastructural upgrades at NMP, including the construction of a new berth and road improvements, costing a total of ₹231.82 crore.