GUJ-02-05-2023

GMU hosted

on Climate Justice and Sustainable Environment

In celebration of World Earth

D a y, G u j a r a t M a r i t i m e University and Gujarat National Law University jointly hosted the International Conference on Climate Justice and Sustainable Environment(ICCJSE)onApril22-23.

The conference brought together 67 students and 25 faculty members from 40 universities across 13 Indian states, who presented 83 research papers on climate change and its impact on the environment andsociety Cont’d. Pg. 6

Greenwich Meridian Logistics (India) open its New Office in Udaipur

UDAIPUR: Greenwich Meridian Logistics (India) Pvt Ltd , (GML) founded in 2002, opened its second Office in Rajasthan in Udaipur City on 22nd April 2023. The company alsohasitsOfficeinJaipuralready.

GML is run by a young, dynamic team of qualified and experienced professionals led by Directors with experience of over a decade in the shippingindustry Cont’d. Pg. 6

..Refer Pg. 19

GMU hosted International Conference on Climate Justice and Sustainable Environment

Concludes with a Call for Solidarity and Collaboration towards a Sustainable Future

Cont’d. from Pg. 3 T h e c o n f e r e n c e f e a t u r e d distinguished speakers such as Hon’ble M r J u s t i c e S a n d e e p M e h t a (Chief Justice, Gauhati High Court), Hon’ble Mr Justice Niral Mehta (Judge, Gujarat High Court), and Prof. (Dr.) S. Shanthakumar (Director, Gujarat National Law University), who emphasized the crucial role of the judiciary in protecting the rights of underprivileged individualsaffectedbyenvironmentalissues.

During the conference, participants engaged in meaningful discussions on the need for individual and collective action, local cultures and the role of law in achieving a harmonious environment. Various sessions explored topics such as insufficient commitments on an international level, collective conscience to care for the environment, the importance of mobilizing younger generations, blue economy and sustainable development as amarketableconcept.

Other speakers and experts included Shri. R.K. Sugoor IFS (Director, Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation, Gandhinagar), Prof (Dr ) Nishtha Jaswal (Vice-Chancellor, Himachal Pradesh National Law University), Prof. (Dr.) Paramjit S. Jaswal (Vice-Chancellor, SRM University, Delhi NCR), Prof. (Dr.) Ranbir Singh (Former Vice-Chancellor, National Law University, Delhi), and Prof. (Dr.) Jagadeesh Chandra T.G. (Registrar, Gujarat National Law University), Prof Camena Guneratne, Shri. Vivek Kapadia, Prof. (Dr.) Sairam Bhat, Prof. (Dr.) N. Kayalvizhi Nadimuthu, Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan, Dr Md Nazrul Islam (Asif Nazrul), and Dr Uday Shankar

Greenwich Meridian Logistics (India) open its New Office in Udaipur

In his closing remarks, Prof. (Dr.) S. Shanthakumar, Director of Gujarat National Law University, stressed the importance of such conferences in fostering meaningful connections and friendships He emphasized that only through solidarity and collaboration can we effectively tackle the challenges of climate change and achieve a sustainablefuture.

The International Conference on Climate Justice and Sustainable Environment (ICCJSE) 2023 concluded with a resounding call for action and collaboration towards a sustainable future, marking a significant step forward in the fightagainstclimatechange.

Cont’d. from Pg. 3 GML is one of the best s e r v i c e p r o v i d i n g i n

LCL Consolidation, Freight Forwarding, Customs Broking, Vessels Agency, Chartering and Broking, Project Cargo Logistics, Feeder Vessels Services, Container Handling, Container Freight Station, Air Logistics, Supply Chain Management for all over world This company has branches in all major cities in India and many destinations in out of India

It is a mid-sized logistics service provider that combines experience of its staff with dedicated, customized solutions, informsarecentcommuniquefromGML.

SHIPPING MOVEMENTS AT DEENDAYAL PORT

TODAY’S

TIDE 02/05/2023

VESSELS IN PORT & DUE FOR EXPORT LOADING

SHIPS SAILED WITH NEXT EXPORT CARGOS DESTN.

VESSELS IN PORT & DUE FOR IMPORT DISCHARGE

GENERAL CARGO VESSELS

SHIPS NOT READY FOR BERTH

LIQUID CARGO VESSELS

KANDLA INTERNATIONAL CONTAINER TERMINAL (KICT)

SHIPPING MOVEMENTS AT ADANI PORT

ADANI PORTS & SEZ LTD. (APSEZ) MUNDRA

WITH EXPORT CARGO

VESSELS DUE IN PORT FOR IMPORT DISCHARGE & EXPORT LOADING

ADANI MUNDRA CONTAINER TERMINAL (AMCT)

CONTAINER VESSELS DUE / IN PORT FOR IMPORT DISCHARGE

CONTAINER VESSELS DUE / IN PORT FOR IMPORT DISCHARGE

CONTAINER

DUE / IN PORT FOR IMPORT

GUJARAT + NORTH INDIA

ADANI MUNDRA CONTAINER TERMINAL (AMCT)

ADANI INTERNATIONAL CONTAINER TERMINAL PVT LTD. (AICT)

SHIPPING MOVEMENTS AT GUJARAT PORTS PORT PIPAVAV

OTHER PORTS OF GUJARAT

JAMNAGAR (BEDI) PORT

(As on 28-04-2023)

MULDWARKA PORT

(As on 28-04-2023)

NB The data in this Daily pertaining to Ports Information is received by us, sometimes even at the eleventh hour by telephonic messages from the concerned Steamer Agents. Therefore, there is every likelihood of last minute change in the data published the Management of Daily Shipping Times exercise every necessary care & attention in collecting every data & getting it published accurately Inspite of this, if any ommission, inaccuracy or printing error occur in the data published in this daily, the Management of Daily Shipping Times is not responsible or liable.

ZIM INTEGRATED SHIPPING SERVICES

m.v. “TONGALA” V-143W

The above vessel is arriving at MUNDRA PORT on 09-05-2023 with Import Cargo in containers.

Consignees are requested to obtain DELIVERY ORDERS from our office address given below on presentation of ORIGINAL BILLS OF LADING, duly discharged and on payment of applicable charges.

Consignees are requested to note that the carrier and or agents are not bound to send further individual notification regarding the arrival of the cargo vessel or their goods.

As Agents :

ZIM INTEGRATED SHIPPING SERVICES (INDIA) PVT. LTD.

First Floor, Plot No.86, Sector 1A, Near Quality Enterprises Hero Showroom, Gandhidham - Kutch, Gujarat - 370201

Tel: (0091-2836) 229543 235282 235283 235383, Fax: (0091-2836) 230433

Export Marketing Queries: Mr. Parmar Devendra - 9824413365, E-mail: parmar.devendra@zim.com

Mr. Trinath Pal 9824504315 Email:pal.trinath@zim.com

Import Marketing Queries : Mr. Mitesh Rajgor - 02836-235282,229543

“ZIM ATLANTIC” V-21W

The above vessel is arriving at MUNDRA PORT on 07-05-2023 with Import Cargo in containers.

Consignees are requested to obtain DELIVERY ORDERS from our office address given below on presentation of ORIGINAL BILLS OF LADING, duly discharged and on payment of applicable charges.

Consignees are requested to note that the carrier and or agents are not bound to send further individual notification regarding the arrival of the cargo vessel or their goods.

m.v. “ZIM ATLANTIC” V-21W

The above vessel is arriving at MUNDRA PORT on 07-05-2023 with Import Cargo in containers.

BL NOS. No. of 20’ 40’

GMSUALX2112181

Consignees are requested to obtain DELIVERY ORDERS from our office address given below on presentation of ORIGINAL BILLS OF LADING, duly discharged and on payment of applicable charges.

Consignees are requested to note that the carrier and or agents are not bound to send further individual notification regarding the arrival of the cargo vessel or their goods.

As Agents :

STAR SHIPPING SERVICES (INDIA) PVT. LTD.

First Floor, Plot No.86, Sector 1A, Near Quality Enterprises Hero Showroom, Gandhidham - Kutch, Gujarat - 370201

Tel: (0091-2836) 229543 235282 235283 235383, Fax: (0091-2836) 230433

Export Marketing Queries: Mr. Parmar Devendra - 9824413365, E-mail: parmar.devendra@zim.com Mr. Trinath Pal 9824504315 Email:pal.trinath@zim.com

Import Marketing Queries : Mr. Mitesh Rajgor - 02836-235282,229543 E-mail: imp@starship-knd.zim.com

NOTICE TO CONSIGNEES

ZIM INTEGRATED SHIPPING SERVICES

m.v. “KOTA MANIS” V-0245E

The above vessel is arriving at MUNDRA PORT on 04-05-2023 with Import Cargo in containers.

Consignees are requested to obtain DELIVERY ORDERS from our office address given below on presentation of ORIGINAL BILLS OF LADING, duly discharged and on payment of applicable charges.

Consignees are requested to note that the carrier and or agents are not bound to send further individual notification regarding the arrival of the cargo vessel or their goods.

As Agents :

ZIM INTEGRATED SHIPPING SERVICES (INDIA) PVT. LTD.

First Floor, Plot No.86, Sector 1A, Near Quality Enterprises Hero Showroom, Gandhidham - Kutch, Gujarat - 370201

Tel: (0091-2836) 229543 235282 235283 235383, Fax: (0091-2836) 230433

Export Marketing Queries: Mr. Parmar Devendra - 9824413365, E-mail: parmar.devendra@zim.com

Mr. Trinath Pal 9824504315 Email:pal.trinath@zim.com

Import Marketing Queries : Mr. Mitesh Rajgor - 02836-235282,229543 E-mail: imp@starship-knd.zim.com

NOTICE TO CONSIGNEES

m.v

“KOTA MANIS” V-0245E

The above vessel is arriving at MUNDRA PORT on 04-05-2023 with Import Cargo in containers.

Consignees are requested to obtain DELIVERY ORDERS from our office address given below on presentation of ORIGINAL BILLS OF LADING, duly discharged and on payment of applicable charges.

Consignees are requested to note that the carrier and or agents are not bound to send further individual notification regarding the arrival of the cargo vessel or their goods.

As Agents :

STAR SHIPPING SERVICES (INDIA) PVT. LTD.

First Floor, Plot No.86, Sector 1A, Near Quality Enterprises Hero Showroom, Gandhidham - Kutch, Gujarat - 370201

Tel: (0091-2836) 229543 235282 235283 235383,

CBIC defers 2nd phase of Customs e-payment

NEW DELHI: With the Electronic CashLedgerfacilityforCustomsduty payments facing hiccups after its launch earlier this month, the finance ministry has decided to postpone the next phase of the project by two months to June 30. The phase was to startonMay1.

Accordingly, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs has given a three-month exemption to payments relating to baggage and international courier shipments from theECLfacility.

The exemption, which was till April 30, has not been extended till June 30, according to a CBIC notification.

The exemption would be available to goods imported or exported in Customs stations where Customs automated system is not in place;

goods imported or exported in International Courier Terminals and accompaniedbaggage.

LaunchedonApril1,theECLisan automated payment system under which users can maintain noninterest-bearing deposit for payment of taxes. However, it faced glitches in the initial days of its launch and export-import traders complained that they were unable to make payments.

While the CBIC had recently said that the system is now “moving towards normalcy”, users said it wouldrequiresomemoretimeuntilit isfullyfunctional.

“System is not fully stabilised and courier imports are urgent imports. Thus, any delay will cost heavily and will defeat the purpose of lifting through courier. A pragmatic

decision,” said Ajai Sahai, DG and CEO, Federation of Indian Export Organisations.

Ankur Gupta, Practice Leader (Indirect Tax), SW India said the intent seems to streamline the ECL mechanism and make it available in allportsofIndiasothattheimporters do not face challenges in clearing the goods. “Further, the courier and baggage exemption extension is to streamline the clearance and might be taken up as a second phase once ECL is implemented smoothly in otherareas,”hesaid.

In the initial days of its launch, the CBIC had as an interim measure waived interest on the payment of customs duty through the ECL and subsequently said that this dispensationwouldcontinueforthree daysuntilthesystemstabilises.

Rajnath Singh & Iranian counterpart review progress of key INSTC Freight Corridor involving Russia

NEW DELHI: Defence Minister

Rajnath Singh and his Iranian counterpart Brigadier General

Mohammad Reza Gharaei Ashtiyani recently reviewed the progress of the key International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) — a 7,200 km-long multi-mode transport project to facilitate movement of freight along Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe,besidesthetwocountries.

Both India and Iran have backed the project, which seeks to open up a new trade corridor between said countries. Russia, Iran and India had in 2002 signed the agreement for the NSTC project of which the three are foundingmemberstates.

This project, along with bilateral defence cooperation, came up for

discussion in the bilateral meeting held between the two leaders in New Delhi, ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defenceministers’meeting.

A statement by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said both leaders exchanged views on regional security issues, including peace and stability in Afghanistan. It added that the International NSTC aims to ease logistic problems in Afghanistan and othercountriesincentralAsia.

“Both the leaders emphasised on the age-old cultural, linguistic and civilizational ties between the two countries, including people-to-people connect,”readthestatement.

Sourcesinthedefenceandsecurity establishment said NSTC has receivedstrongsupportfromIndia.

Incidentally, the first India-bound Russian cargo — sent by train for the firsttimeusingtheINSTC—reached Iran last year, having covered around 3,800 km through Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan after which it was sent overtoIndiabysea.

India has been pushing for increased regional connectivity, pursuant to which it is developing the ChabaharportwithIran.

NewDelhihasproposedtoinclude the port in the framework of the INSTC.

PM Gati Shakti Rail Terminals : Bid terms set for recast

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Railways is weighing plans to introduce a new rule for awarding bids for building Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals on Indian Railways land after aggressive bidding in some initial rounds of tenders resulted in a tie with all the bidders placing identical, highest price offers.

The new rule will allow potential bidders to split revenue accruing from infrastructure and valueadded services provided at the terminal with Indian Railways on top of the Terminal Charges (TC) and Terminal Access Charges (TAC) shared, which are currently

the criteria for awarding bids.

The Terminal Charges and Terminal Access Charges are levied by Indian Railways at its goods sheds/container rail terminals: when cargo comes on Railways-owned wagons, TC of Rs20 per ton (for bulk cargo) is collected and when it arrives on privately-owned wagons, TAC of Rs1.6 lakh per rake (for containers) perentryisbilled.

For Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals set up entirely or partially on India Railways land, Railway will levy Terminal Charges and Terminal Access Charges similar to those

being levied on Railways goodssheds. These Terminal Charges and Terminal Access Charges will be shared with the Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal Operator (GCTO) according to the percentage quotedinthetender.

Bidders have to quote the percentage of Terminal Charges and Terminal Access Charges which they seek to claim from the India Railways for the traffic handled at the terminal, according to the criteria currently followed for deciding the tenders. The percentage offered has to be similar for both TC and TAC.

Major Ports achieve Record-Breaking Milestones in FY 2022-23, Boosting Trade and Economic Growth : Sarbananda Sonowal

NEW DELHI: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH, ShriSarbanandaSonowal said FY23 saw India’s Major Ports reach unprecedented heights, setting new records across various key performance indicators.

Speakingatthe2ndEditionof FICCI’s Port Infrastructure Conclave in New Delhi Shri Sonowal noted that Major Ports collectively handled a record-breaking 795 million tonnes of cargo, registering a 10.4% growth over the previous year. Furthermore,theyachievedthehighest-everoutputperdayof 17,239 tonnes, marking a 6% increase compared to last year. Another significant accomplishment was the best-ever operating ratio of 48.54%. He said the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) set a new benchmark by handling over 6 million TEUs, reflecting the highest container throughput. Hesaidthemajorportsrecordedtheirhighest-evernumberof vesselshandled,reachingatotalof21,846vesselsintheyear.

Shri Sonowal noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi the Indian shipping industry has witnessed a remarkable increase in the number of ships, gross tonnage, and seafarers employed. He said the fleet of shipssailingundertheIndianflaghasexpandedfrom1,205in 2014 to 1,526 by 2023, showcasing the country’s commitment to strengthening its maritime presence. This growth has been accompanied by a significant rise in gross tonnage, increasing from 10.3 million in 2014 to 13.7 million in 2023, reflectingtheenhancedcapacityandscaleofoperations.The Union Minister said furthermore, the number of Indian seafarers has grown from 1,17,090 in 2014 to a remarkable 2,50,071 in2022, registeringanincreaseofalmost114%injust nineyears.

Shri Sonowal emphasised that these historic achievements underscore India’s dedication to developing and modernising its port infrastructure to boost trade and supporteconomicgrowth.

The Union Minister said India’s progress in developing state-of-the-art port infrastructure and outlined future plans for the maritime sector. He pointed out, “95% of India’s tradingbyvolumeand70%byvalueisdonethroughmaritime transportation. For smooth and efficient trading, mostmodern and advanced port infrastructure is of paramount importance.”

Shri Sonowal emphasised the importance of incorporating technology into port operations, stating that “smart ports are the future, and we are already making significant strides towards this goal.” By leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence, India aims to optimise port operations and boost efficiency. He alluded to recent digital initiatives such as the NLP-Marine and Sagar-Setu app, geared towards bringing all stakeholders onto a single platform, reducing logistical costs and time, and improving overall efficiency. Additionally, major ports are embracing automation, with the installation of gate automation, enterprise business solutions, and container scanners, he added.

Shri Sonowal said that major ports are under developmenttobecomehydrogenhubsforhandling,storage, and transportation of green hydrogen. Deendayal, Paradip, and V.O. Chidambaranar ports have already begun developing the necessary infrastructure for hydrogen bunkering, he said. Mr Dhruv Kotak, Chairman, Ports & Shipping, FICCI Committee for Transport Infrastructure, lauded the Government for its commitment to sustainability andgreenportinitiatives.MrKotaknotedthattheGreenPort Policy aims to transform the port ecosystem by focusing on emission management across scope one, scope two, and scope.

Shri Sonowal also launched the FICCI – CRISIL Knowledge Paper on ‘Smart, Safe & Sustainable Ports.’ The Knowledge Paper delves into the key elements that contribute to the creation of smart, safe, and sustainable ports. It offers a comprehensive overview of the latest technological advancements, operational best practices, and sustainability initiatives that port operators can adopt to optimize port efficiency and minimize environmental impact.

India funded Sittwe Port in Myanmar set to open on 9 May

KOLKATA: The Sittwe Port in Myanmar funded by India under the $500 million Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project will start operations in May with the inaugural run of a ship from Netaji Subhas Dock in Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port,Kolkataon4May.

The ship is scheduled to arrive in Sittwe Port on 9 May where a contingent from the Indian side led by Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, will grace a reception ceremony for the vessel, Government sourcessaid.

The opening of the Sittwe port will boost trade and commerce between the two neighbouring countries, a Governmentofficialsaid.

Sittwe is a deepwater port constructed by India at the capitalofRakhineStateinMyanmar,ontheBayofBengal.

SituatedatthemouthoftheKaladanRiver,the$120million port is funded by India as a part of the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project, a collaboration between India and Myanmar, aimed at developing transport infrastructure in SouthwesternMyanmarandnorth-easternIndia.

The Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project was conceived by India to provide an alternative route to India’s

landlocked north-eastern states. The only access to these seven states is through the Siliguri Corridor, a narrow strip of Indian territory wedged between Nepal and Bangladesh, referredtoasthe‘Chicken’sNeck’.

Routing all cargo destined for the northeast through this corridorcausessignificanttransportationdelaysandcost.

The Kaladan project also seeks to accelerate infrastructure and economic development in India and Myanmar.

The project includes the construction of a deepwater port at the mouth of the Kaladan River in Sittwe, the dredging of the river to enable cargo vessels to navigate the river from Sittwe to Mizoram in India, the construction of a river port at Paletwa in Myanmar’s Chin State and the upgrade of highways from Paletwa to Myeikwa on the Indo-Myanmar border.

With the opening of the port, cargo ships can ply between the eastern Indian seaport of Kolkata and Sittwe seaport in MyanmarviatheBayofBengal.

In Myanmar, it will then link Sittwe seaport to Paletwa jetty in Chin State via the Kaladan river boat route, and then from PaletwabyroadtoMizoraminNortheastIndia.

CONCOR organized Trade Meet to brief on commencement of Double-Stack Train from Dadri to Mundra

NOIDA: Container Corporation of India Ltd. (CONCOR), a Navratna PSU of Govt. of India, Ministry of Railways organised a Trade Meet on 26th April, 2023 at Hotel Crowne Plaza,GreaterNoidatobriefthetrade about commencement of Doublestack Container Trains from ICD Dadri to Mundra Port on Western DedicatedFreightCorridor(WDFC).

The meet was attended by representatives of various renowned trade partners, comprising Shipping Lines, Exporters, Importers, Freight Forwarders and Joint Venture Companies-CFSs of ICD Dadri. The meet was chaired by Mr V. Kalyana Rama, IRTS, Chairman and Managing Director, CONCOR; while Mr Nanduri Srinivas, IRTS, Director (Operations & Business Development), DFCCIL (Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd.), Mr Sanjay Swarup, IRTS, Director (Operations and International Marketing), CONCOR, Mr Kamal Jain, IRTS, Executive Director, Area-1,CONCOR,MrVijoyKSingh, IRTS, Chief General Manager (Cluster Head), CONCOR and others participated, and interacted with the trade representatives. Mr Jitendar Jeengar, Chief Manager, ICD Dadri facilitatedthemeet.

ICD, Dadri is a very well established CONCOR terminal serving the trade in both Export and Import business besides Domestic business within India as Private

Freight Terminal approved by the Indian Railways. It is strategically located at Dadri, Greater Noida, and caters to the business needs of a vast area of UP, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi-NCR and around. Being an ICD (CFS) itself, it further works on a unique model with four private Joint Venture partners, viz. Transworld, Star Track, CMA-CGM, and AllCargo Logistics. ICD, Dadri is connected with all major ports of western India, viz.JNPA,MundraandPipavav.

In order to optimise transit time and to ensure direct connectivity with sea ports, the much-awaited Doublestack Train was successfully flagged offon20thApril,2023fromICDDadrito Mundra Port on Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) network. UnderWDFCnetwork,thetrainsfrom ICD/DadritoMundraPortcoveredthe distance of 1158 Kms. well within 30 Hrs., while the earlier average timing remained around 70 Hrs. And, it is expected further reduction in transit time. Very soon, Long-haul and

Double-stack trains will also move from ICD, Dadri to Pipavav and JNPA Ports besides Mundra port. A Doublestack train carries 180 TEUs, while a normal train carries only 90 TEUs of containers.Inlong-haul,twotrainsare coupledtogethertoformalongtrainto carrymorecontainersinonego.

RunningofDouble-stackandlonghaul trains from CONCOR ICD, Dadri, heralds a new beginning; and, itwillbeagamechangerfortheTrade of this area as it will bring down transit time drastically in addition to decrease logistics costs at many areas. The existing road transportation traffic will also be diverted to ICD Dadri to avail the benefitsthroughWDFC.

Trade can now easily estimate theirvesselplanstoaddvaluetotheir business as the trains will move directlytothedestinationportsunder WDFCnetwork.

CONCOR ICD Dadri is, therefore, all set to become the hub of trade for international business with the active supportofstakeholders.

Nitin Gadkari lays down roadmap to lower logistics cost

NEW DELHI: Speaking at an Event recently, Union Minister of Road, Transport, and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, stressed the need to reduce the logistics cost in a bid to emerge stronger and more competitiveintheglobalmarket.

In his key address, he asserted, “Logistics cost in India is pegged at 14 to 16 percent. In America and

Europeancountries,thelogisticscost isseenat12percent,andinChina,it’s 8 to 10 percent.” He also highlighted the measures through which the logistic cost can be reduced, benefiting the entire economic ecosystem.

While highlighting the measures and initiatives taken by the Governmenttoensuretheloweringof

logistic costs, he said, “If we want to be competitive in the global market, we need to focus on ways to reduce the logistic costs. We will have to makemoreandmoresuperiorquality roads. As of now, there are more than 30 highways in the making which will be soon inaugurated and made operational for the commuters,” said Gadkari.

FIEO, Business Russia join hands to promote trade and investments between India-Russia

MOSCOW: To deepen trade and investments ties between India and Russia, the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has signedaMoUwithBusinessRussia.

The two organizations will cooperate to arrange exhibitions, buyers-sellers’ meetings, workshops, seminars and encourage enterprises to work in tandem with their

counterpartsforjointventures.

The pact was signed during the Indian Apex exporter body’s visit of a 50-memberdelegationoftheagroand foodprocessingsectortoMoscow.

N K Kagliwal, leader of the delegationandBoardMemberofFIEO said that the delegation is “exploring opportunities in diverse business ventures such as ready-to-eat meals,

fish meal, animal feed, soyabean apart fromconventionalproducts.”

He added that exporters are looking to increase agro and processed food exports from about USD 750 million to over USD 3 billion inthenextthreeyears.

About the rupee-ruble trade mechanism, he said it is “moving forward,butthepaceisslow.

Container Ro-Ro Ships now hard to find, says Alphaliner

LONDON: Container ro-ro ships, which carry containers, vehicles and other rolling cargos, are becoming a rarity due to the dearth of such vessel orders in recent years, according to Alphaliner’slatestreport,released26 April.

Last week, Grimaldi Lines took delivery of one such ship, Great Antwerp, which is one of six sister vessels ordered at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in South Korea. Great Antwerp,whichhasacapacityof2,000 TEUs, was the first conro vessel built in six years, after Grimaldi affiliate Atlantic Container Line received AtlanticSuninMay2017.

Alphaliner observed, “The youngestconrosinthelinerfleetwere actually delivered in 2018-2020 to the US operators Crowley and Matson buttheyhavebeenexcludedfromour countofdeepseaconrosasthesefour ships were built for Jones Act trading

to/from Hawaii or Puerto Rico. If we exclude all conros and roro ships operated on domestic or shortsea routes, we see that Grimaldi Group, Linea Messina and the National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (Bahri)aretheonlythreecarriersleft operating conro tonnage on long distanceroutes.”

Grimaldi remains the largest conro player, boasting 35 ships connecting Europe and North AmericawithWestandCentralAfrica andtheEastCoastofSouthAmerica.

Great Antwerp and its five sister ships, which are expected to be delivered from July 2023 to July 2024, were ordered to replace older Grimaldi ships which have already beeninservicefor25years.

Guido Grimaldi, Deep Sea Commercial&OperationsDirectorof the Grimaldi Group, commented, “This new series of ships responds

even more efficiently to the demand for quality transport services on deep searoutes,andtotheneedsrelatedto theprotectionoftheenvironment.We are thus taking a further important step within a path undertaken for several years now, aiming to operate on our main routes with a young, modernandeco-sustainablefleet.”

Astheaverageageofthedeepsea conro fleets of Linea Messina and Bahriismuchyounger,noneworders areexpectedfromtheirside.

Alphaliner opined that Linea Messina’s fleet may even contract by one ship shortly as the Jolly Quarzo has left its liner network between the Mediterranean, East and South Africa, the Red Sea, the Middle East and India and Pakistan. Jolly Quarzo has moved to Norfolk and is reported to have been sold to US carrier Liberty Global Logistics to transport militarycargo.

Exports from Rajasthan increased by 10.04% last fiscal

JAIPUR: Rajasthan has witnessed a significant increase in its export of goods till February 2023, with a growth rate of 10.04 per cent as compared to the same periodof2022.

Chairman of the Rajasthan

Export Promotion Council (REPC) and Rajasthan Small Industries Corporation Limited (RAJ-SICO) Rajiv Arora said at a meeting that the state’s textiles, agro-food products, gems and jewellery, and engineering goods have been

the major contributors to this growth.

The meeting on ‘Export Growth andFutureStrategyofRajasthan’was organisedbytheREPCtodiscussand invite suggestions from exporters to increaseexportsfromRajasthan.

MSC enhances connections between Africa, Middle East and India

GENEVA: As part of MSC's ongoing commitment to enhancing services between Africa, the Middle East and India, we are pleased to announce the following updates toourIndiaAfricaService(IAS)andIndiatoSouthAfrica Service from May 2023, informs a recent communique fromMSC.

INDIAAFRICASERVICE(IAS)

INDIATOSOUTHAFRICASERVICE

ThecurrentIndiaAfricaService(IAS)rotationwillbe updated with direct calls at Coega, Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali.

The new rotation of the service will be as follows with weeklyfrequency:

Mundra – Nhava Sheva – Colombo – Abidjan –Lomé – Tema – Coega – Abu Dhabi – Jebel Ali –Mundra.

The first vessel on this new rotation will be MSC ESTHIvoyagenumberIW316R,duetoarriveinCoegaon 11May2023.

MSC’s India to South Africa Service rotation will be updated to link the ports of Durban, Jebel Ali and Abu Dhabi,creatingadirectconnectionbetweenDurbanand theMiddleEast.

The new rotation of the service will be as follows with weeklyfrequency:

Durban – Jebel Ali – Abu Dhabi – Ad Dammam –Bahrain–Mundra–NhavaSheva–Hazira–Colombo –PortLouis–Durban.

The first vessel on this new rotation will be MSC ROBERTA voyage number IA317R, due to arrive in Durbanon10May2023.

The new calls at these strategic ports will provide MSC customers with improved connections and transit timesbetweenAfrica,theMiddleEastGulfandIndiaand willparticularlybenefitcustomerswithreefercargo.