ICRA expects cargo pressure to continue at major ports, with iron ore and containers the main laggards. ''Iron ore has been the main laggard in 9MFY14, registering a 18% decline on yoy basis, as a result of the continued stalemate in domestic mining activities. Container volumes have also shown some slippage, declining by 4% yoy owing to the lagged effect of slowdown in global markets and domestic economy setting in,'' according to ICRA.

''While near term outlook for revival in these cargo categories remains weak with economic slowdown and macroeconomic head winds, resumption of some iron ore mining activity following positive developments regarding resumption of mining activities based on the Honorable Supreme Court rulings on the subject in Karnataka could alter the outlook to some extent,'' it said.

''However, given the recent imposition of 5% export duty on pellets and the prevailing deficit in the domestic market and the continuing restrictions in Goa and Odisha, the revival of iron ore based exports is unlikely in the near term,'' ICRA noted.

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