Shipping / Transport

SolitAir to invest $25 million in Indian market this year: CEO Hamdi Osman
SolitAir Holding, a UAE-based cargo operator, plans to invest USD 25 million in India's market in its first year of operations. With a strategy to connect and service 50 cities, the company emphasizes India's critical role in global trade and aims to expand its network and services frequency.

DP World introduces all-women shifts at warehouses operations
DP World has established women-led shifts at its warehouses in Gujarat and Rajasthan. The project began with an all-women shift last year and is expanding to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. This initiative has improved operational efficiency and productivity. Currently, women represent over 14 percent of DP World's logistics workforce in India with plans to increase this.

Cargo from Gujarat port takes INSTC's Eastern route to reach Kazakhstan
India's connectivity and trade with Central Asia have been enhanced by a shipment from Gujarat using the eastern route of the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC). The cargo will traverse through Iran, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan before reaching Kazakhstan, which highlights the strategic importance of INSTC's eastern route for trade.

Jawaharlal Nehru Port allocated India's first offshore mining license
India has issued its first offshore mining block to the Jawaharlal Nehru Ports Authority for construction sand to be used in developing a Greenfield Port at Vadhavan, Maharashtra. The port development, valued at Rs 76,220 crore, will significantly reduce dependency on land-based sand for its operations and create substantial cargo handling capacity.

India is copying China playbook for a wide global footprint
India is forming a consortium of state-owned companies to develop and operate ports overseas, responding to China's global maritime influence. This initiative aims to bolster India's strategic and trade positioning by enhancing its global shipping network, supporting manufacturing growth, and strengthening supply chains.

Consortium of state-run companies to develop, run ports overseas
India is forming a state-owned consortium, Bharat Global Port Consortium, to develop and operate overseas ports. Initiatives such as the 'One Nation, One Port Process' and the Sagar Ankalan-Logistics Port Performance Index aim to enhance port efficiency and competitiveness. Budgetary measures include a ₹25,000-crore Maritime Development Fund and various incentives for the maritime sector.

Maersk plans to invest $5 billion in Indian ports and landside infrastructure
A.P. Moller Maersk plans to invest $5 billion in India’s ports, terminals, and landside infrastructure. The focus will include expanding the Pipavav terminal and developing a container terminal at Vadhavan Port. Maersk aims to streamline supply chains by integrating transportation, port handling, warehousing, and distribution services.

Sarbananda Sonowal launches new consortium to expand port footprint, boost supply chains
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched a consortium of India Ports Global, Sagar Mala Development Company, and India Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation to expand India's maritime footprint. He also introduced initiatives like 'One Nation-One Port Process,' Logistics Port Performance Index, and the MAITRI App to standardise operations, enhance efficiency, and bolster global trade.

Govt looking at ways to promote shipping sector, says Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted India's potential in ship-building and maritime trade during a virtual conference. He emphasized the need for more flagged vessels, improved logistics, and faster exports. Goyal called for suggestions to enhance the sector and stressed its importance to India's economy and trade infrastructure.

India's ports sector set for major growth with 500-550 MTPA capacity expansion annually by FY2028
India's ports sector is expected to add 500-550 MTPA of capacity annually between FY2023 and FY2028, driven by POL, coal, and containerized cargo. Major ports handled 819 MMT of cargo in FY24. The sector's infrastructure includes 13 major and 205 non-major ports, strategically positioned to enhance India's dominance in global maritime trade.
Must Watch

UAE-based Sharaf group announces Rs 5,000 cr investment in Kerala
UAE-based Sharaf Group announced a Rs 5,000 crore investment in Kerala over the next five years, citing the state's conducive business environment and talented workforce. The investment will focus on two dry ports and create numerous job opportunities, further boosting the region's economic growth.

Adani Group to invest Rs 30,000 cr in Kerala in next 5 years
The Adani Group plans to invest ₹30,000 crore in Kerala over the next five years, announced Karan Adani, MD of Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd. The company will expand Trivandrum International Airport's capacity from 4.5 million to 12 million passengers with an investment of ₹5,500 crore. Additionally, it will establish a logistics and e-commerce hub in Kochi and expand its cement capacity in the city.

NMDC Group PJSC inks Rs 21,000-crore investment proposal with JNPA for Vadhvan Port project
NMDC Group PJSC has agreed to invest Rs 21,000 crore for the development of Vadhvan Port in Maharashtra, collaborating with Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority. This partnership aims to enhance India's port infrastructure by focusing on dredging, reclamation, and shore protection at the new greenfield port.

Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates new inland waterways terminal at Jogighopa; 110 MT of coal, stone chips sent to Bangladesh
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the Inland Waterways Terminal at Jogighopa, Assam, sending the first shipment to Bangladesh. The terminal is strategically situated to boost trade with Bhutan and Bangladesh and is expected to handle 1.1 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2027.

Support from govt, industries vital for Indian shilpbuilders: CEO of Japanese co MOL
Indian industries should collaborate to strengthen the local shipping and shipbuilding sectors, says Takeshi Hashimoto, CEO of Japan's MOL. He highlights the necessity of government support and a unified industry approach for long-term gains. Hashimoto believes structured policies and industrial collaboration are vital for India to achieve global competitiveness in these sectors.

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port plans to lease land for eco-wellness hub
The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata will lease nearly five acres of land at Nature Park to develop an eco-friendly wellness hub and tourism centre. The project aims to generate over Rs 3 crore annually and include facilities like eco-cottages, bird-watching towers, and cycling tracks, while preserving the park's ecosystem.