Work has started on a new container berth at northwestern India's Pipavav Port, in a US$226m expansion expected to double annual capacity to 1m teu.

Operator AP Moller Terminals is extending the existing 350m quay by another 385m, a project expected to be complete by the middle of 2008.

Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd, in which APMT is the largest stakeholder, has ordered terminal equipment including three new panamax quay-cranes and 10 additional rubber-tyred gantry-cranes.

The port has developed an 11km, four-lane expressway connection to the national highway network, as well as weekly freight trains to all Inland Container Depots in India’s northern hinterland.