Eight Port Clusters Poised to Redraw Andhra Pradesh’s Economy

Andhra Pradesh is gearing up for a major maritime overhaul, with eight port-led industrial clusters set to reshape the State’s economic future. Backed by a long coastline and new deep-water ports, the government is positioning the State as a powerhouse for cargo movement, manufacturing and emerging green-energy industries.

AP aims to handle 20 percent of India’s total cargo, supported by both greenfield and brownfield projects. The Andhra Pradesh Maritime Development Board (APMB) is developing new ports at Mulapeta, Machilipatnam, Kakinada and Ramayapatnam, with private players investing Rs 16,000 crore in the first phase.

To fast-track industrial growth, land has been allotted for eight dedicated port-based clusters, each spread over at least 5,000 acres. The State is also preparing to tap Rs 10,000 crore under the second phase of the Sagarmala Mission to build essential infrastructure around these hubs.

Officials say the target is to reach 75 percent capacity utilisation by 2030, supported by a skilled workforce. Plans include training 5,000 maritime professionals by 2028 and establishing specialised skill and maritime universities.

In a conversation with The Costal Times, maritime expert and former APMB CEO Muralidharan Krishnamoorthy said the project marks a bold shift for India’s eastern coast. He noted that Andhra Pradesh is creating sector-focused industrial cities linked directly to port logistics, covering priority sectors such as steel, aluminium, EVs, petrochemicals, renewable energy, green hydrogen, pharmaceuticals and chemicals.

Talks are already in progress with major companies in steel, refinery operations, pharma, green ammonia, LNG terminals and advanced marine energy systems. The State is also planning shipyards, dry docks, ship-repair hubs, compliant ship-breaking zones and a defence manufacturing corridor, which Mr. Muralidharan described as key to building a complete maritime ecosystem.