The Cabinet's July 31, 2026 revision of the captive-port policy addressed how industries using dedicated port facilities can renew concessions and add capacity. The Shipping Ministry subsequently listed the policy document on August 17.
The approval announcement described renewals of up to 30 years without a fresh tender, priced at the higher of the market-linked reserve level or the indexed existing payment. This preserves continuity while updating the port's return.
Expansion under clause 21 follows a different route. It requires available waterfront, technical and commercial assessment, and average utilisation of at least 75 per cent of designed capacity in the preceding three years. Eligible industries with the same cargo profile bid, with the incumbent allowed to match the highest offer.
An added facility's concession ends with the existing concession, including any renewed term. Expansion at renewal is separately addressed in clause 20(b), and qualifying government bodies have a distinct route under clause 19.
The economic distinction is between continuing to use an existing asset and securing additional scarce waterfront. Utilisation evidence tests the case for more capacity; competitive pricing tests its value. Tying the added berth's term to the original facility prevents expansion alone from resetting the concession clock.
