Andhra Pradesh aims to handle 20 percent of India's cargo by 2045 through new port terminals and industrial clusters near major ports. The state is developing new ports like Machilipatnam, Mulapeta, and Ramayapatnam, with investments exceeding Rs 16,000 crore.

A senior official from the state’s Industries and Investments (Ports) Department stated, "For the development of new infrastructure, Andhra Pradesh is only left with its coastline and agriculture, and hence these are our focus areas." The Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board (APMB) is working on a new maritime policy to achieve a 75 percent port utilisation rate by 2030 and train 5,000 professionals by 2028 through a maritime university and skill centres.

Each port will be developed based on local advantages. Machilipatnam port, ideal for tobacco, granite, pharma, and agri product exports, is also set to support ONGC’s offshore activities. "Machilipatnam port is being developed under a ‘landlord model’ at a cost of ?5,155 crore in phase 1," with four berths and a 35 million tonnes capacity. Additionally, Vadarevu and Nizampatnam ports will be developed on a public-private partnership (BOOT) model.

With the completion of new ports, Andhra Pradesh will have seven operational ports, including Gangavaram, Kakinada, and Krishnapatnam.