On the west coast, the over-capacity concerns stem from the state-run JNPT, the largest container port in India already handling over half of the volumes, planning to double its capacity with the addition of the fourth terminal.
Competing terminals at Mundra, Pipavav, Hazira and three existing JNPT terminals will be hit over the next three years because of JNPT's plans, domestic ratings agency Icra said in a report.
On the east coast, the Chennai-Ennore-Kattupalli- Krishnapatnam cluster, which has seen significant capacity being installed, is also likely to face strong competition for volumes over the next 3-5 years, it said.
"While the recent capacity creation in these regions is backed by prediction of strong demand growth, increase in exim cargo movement would be gradual and in the interim, terminals could witness pressure on volumes," he added.
Given the high leveraging of some private sector port operators and concerns on returns, he said "consolidation trends could gather further momentum going forward".
He, however, warned that credit profiles could come under pressure on account of any leveraged merger and acquisition transactions, recurring cargo related setbacks or any adverse movement on tariff related litigations.
"A prolonged decline in coal import requirement in the absence of diversification into other cargo categories can impact the returns for such port sector players," it said.
In the near term, the cargo and cash accrual outlook for the port sector overall is positive, it said.
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