Kandla: On the same day that Deendayal Port at Kandla crossed last year’s cargo handling mark of 150 million tonnes 18 days ahead of schedule, the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) also announced that it is preparing to handle more than two dozen vessels within the next 72 hours.

The port authority, which has stopped sharing detailed cargo movement data after the outbreak of the US–Iran conflict, posted on X on Friday that it is ready to “handle 22 vessels in the next 72 hours.”

However, the origin and type of cargo have not been disclosed, citing operational security and the sensitive maritime situation. The development comes amid reports that India is in discussions with Iran to ensure safe passage of tankers headed to Indian ports.

Furthermore, it is learnt that some of the vessels may be foreign-flagged and were originally bound for the conflict-hit region but could now be looking at Kandla as a transshipment port.

Kandla’s strategic location on the west coast places it close to the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil and gas chokepoint through which nearly 20 per cent of the world’s crude supply passes. The route has remained tense since the US–Iran conflict, raising concerns for energy imports linked to Gujarat’s ports. DeshGujarat