Visakhapatnam Port has achieved a significant milestone, reinforcing its status as India's leading hub for marine product exports. During the 2025-26 financial year, the port successfully managed an impressive 5.12 lakh metric tonnes of seafood shipments. This remarkable performance, revealed by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), signifies over 26% of the nation's total seafood volume. This achievement underscores the port's critical role in boosting India's presence in global seafood markets.

What Happened?

India's marine exports reached an all-time high value of ₹72,325.82 crore (approximately $8.28 billion) in the 2025-26 financial year. Visakhapatnam Port, located on India's East Coast, played a pivotal role in this success. It alone processed 5.12 lakh metric tonnes of seafood, making it the top contributor to the national total of 19.32 lakh metric tonnes. This means more than a quarter of all Indian seafood exports passed through Visakhapatnam.

Industry experts point to the port's adoption of the National Traceability Framework in 2025 as a major factor. This framework ensures that high-value shipments meet strict international compliance standards, especially for important markets like the European Union and China. These standards are crucial for maintaining quality and safety, which in turn helps exporters access lucrative foreign markets. The port's modern infrastructure and operational efficiency also gave it a competitive advantage.

Other major Indian ports also contributed significantly. The Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) in Mumbai, on the West Coast, secured the second position, handling 3.28 lakh metric tonnes. JNPT remains vital for exports to Western countries. Kochi Port, with 1.83 lakh metric tonnes, specialized in value-added processed marine products, while Kolkata Port, managing 1.44 lakh metric tonnes, maintained its dominance in Black Tiger shrimp exports. Chennai Port was also among the top five, and together, these ports accounted for nearly 64% of India's total seafood export value.

Key Highlights

Visakhapatnam Port led India's marine exports in FY 2025-26, handling 5.12 lakh metric tonnes.
The port accounted for over 26% of India's total seafood shipments, which reached 19.32 lakh metric tonnes nationally.
India's total seafood export value hit a record ₹72,325.82 crore (US$8.28 billion).
The National Traceability Framework (2025) and modern cold-chain facilities at Visakhapatnam enhanced its competitive edge.
A major market shift saw exports to the European Union grow by 37.9% and China by 22.7%, facilitated by Visakhapatnam.
Frozen shrimp remained the top export product, generating ₹47,973 crore in revenue.
Jawaharlal Nehru Port ranked second, followed by Kochi and Kolkata Ports in overall volume.

Why Does This Matter?

This news is important for every citizen because it highlights the strength of India's economy and its position in global trade. When ports like Visakhapatnam perform well, it means more jobs for people involved in fishing, processing, transportation, and logistics. It also brings foreign money into the country, which can be used for development projects, infrastructure improvements, and public services. A strong export sector contributes to the overall prosperity of the nation, helping businesses grow and supporting livelihoods across various communities, especially those dependent on marine activities.

Furthermore, the success of Visakhapatnam Port demonstrates India's ability to adapt to changing global markets. By shifting focus to the European Union and China, especially when the US market saw a decline, Indian exporters proved their resilience. This flexibility ensures that Indian products continue to find buyers worldwide, securing income for farmers and fisherfolk. The emphasis on advanced traceability and quality control also means that Indian seafood maintains a "gold standard" internationally, building trust and opening doors for even more growth in the future. This benefits not just the businesses directly involved, but also strengthens India's reputation as a reliable global trading partner.