Dr.
Pramod Sant
Dr. Pramod Sant
A distinguished Industry Expert Refer Pg. 11
MUMBAI : (022)22661756 / 1422, 22691407
+ NORTH
AHMEDABAD : (079) 26569995, E-Mail:dstgujarat@gmail.com
: (02836)222665/225790, E-Mail:dstimeskdl@gmail.com
Deendayal Port creates New Milestone
GANDHIDHAM:
D e e n d a y a l P o r t Authority, Kandla achieves a record single-day dry cargo handling of 3,01,196 MTs on Jan 19, 2025, s u r p a s s i n g t h e p r e v i o u s b e s t o f 2,93,023 MTs (May 9, 2023). Utilizing capacity to its fullest!
PSA Unboxed evolves into PSA Ventures to drive Sustainable Innovation and Growth in Global
Supply Chains
S I N G A P O R E : PSA International recently unveiled the evolution of PSA unboXed, its innovation and startup accelerator platform, into PSA Ventures, a dedicated venture capital arm and venture builder This strategic transformation will further solidify PSA’s commitment to driving growth, operational efficiency, and sustainability across global port and supply chain operations. Cont’d. Pg. 10
Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla set to celebrate Republic Day 2025 with Grandeur
GANDHIDHAM: Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla, is set to celebrate Republic Day 2025 with grandeur and patriotism at the Sports Complex, Gopalpuri, Gandhidham. The event will showcase the unity, diversity and rich cultural heritage of India.
The event will commence with the unfurling of the National Flag, followed by the Rashtriya Salute. This will be complemented by an impressive March Past featuring contingents from the CISF, DPA Fire Brigade and students of Bhartiya Vidya Mandir, Kandla.
Grand Tableau Showcase
A major attraction will be a Grand Tableau parade on the National theme, featuring tableaus representing the vibrant culture of Indian states. Each tableau will feature 20-30 artists performing traditional dances unique to their region, adding splendor to the National Festival. Artists and cultural groups have been rehearsing diligently to ensure an unforgettable experience.
Cultural Highlights
The program will also include enthralling performances by talented artists and teams:
• Jayatu Bharatam: A patriotic performance by 30-35 artists from Natyalaya (The School of Classical Dance), Anjar
• Maa Shakti Vandnam: A classical performance by 10-12 artists from the DPA Cultural Team.
• Silent Weapon Drill: An impressive display by the CISF, Kandla.
• Ram Mandiram: Another classical performance by 30-35 artists from Natyalaya.
• Bagpipe Band of India: A captivating Bagpipe and Dhol performance by 8-10 Punjabi artists.
Awards and Recognitions
In a gesture of encouragement and appreciation, awards and prizes will be distributed to Meritorious Scholars, Sportspersons and Cultural Artists of DPA during the program.
This Republic Day 2025 celebration promises to be a remarkable and patriotic event, embodying the spirit of unity and diversity All are invited to join Deendayal Port Authority in commemorating the occasion with pride and enthusiasm.
Shipping Minister & Shipping Secretary visits DPA Kandla’s theme based pavilion at Maritime India Conference & Expo 2025
M
U M B A I / G A N D H I D H A M :
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble
Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways visited DPA Kandla’s theme based pavilion
attheMaritimeIndiaConference&Expo2025, accompanied by Shri T.K. Ramachandran, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.
PSA Unboxed evolves into PSA Ventures to drive Sustainable Innovation and Growth in Global Supply Chains
Cont’d. from Pg. 2
B u i l d i n g o n t h e
strong foundations of PSA unboXed, PSA Ventures will broaden its focus beyond startups It will commercialise intellectual property developed through collaborations with likeminded organisations and research institutions, while also pursuing traditional venture capital investments.
“As the management of international maritime hubs, transportation infrastructure and networks grows increasingly complex, PSA Ventures will enable us to venture-build with key partners and capitalise on emerging trends,” said Mr. Ong Kim Pong, Group CEO of PSA International. “By collaborating with forwardthinking innovators and investing in transformative solutions, we will continue to co-create smarter, greener, and more resilient ports and supply chains, aligned with PSA’s Node to Network vision.” PSA Ventures will focus on four core domains:
• Terminal Technology: Next-generation port equipment and automation solutions.
• Green Energy Transition: Investments in green and renewable technologies, new energy vectors, and low/zero-emissions power generation. This includes equity stakes in innovative green power production assets beyond solar and wind, leveraging advanced technologies to optimise Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) in challenging regions.
• Supply Chain & Logistics: Solutions that enhance supply chain resilience and value creation for Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCOs) and shippers, including trade advisory tools, cargo flow optimisation, and risk impact management.
• Data & Digital: Digital innovations that drive operational efficiency, enhance data-driven decisionmaking, and strengthen cyber-security frameworks through agentic AI, digital trust solutions, and emulation testing.
PSA Ventures aims to create long-term value by identifying high-potential opportunities, piloting groundbreaking technologies, and scaling them into transformative solutions for global adoption. By leveraging PSA’s extensive expertise, ecosystem partnerships, and global network, PSA Ventures will catalyse innovation and sustainability within the industry. T
, PSA Ventures will actively collaborate with partners to explore innovative business models and technologies, accelerating their journey from proof-of-concept to large-scale commercialisation. This includes pioneering solutions such as solid-state electrical infrastructure, hydrogen and ammonia energy vectors, and advancements in the battery value chain, ensuring meaningful impact in the global transition towards sustainable and efficient supply chains.
Cargo Terminal at Ahmedabad Airport
likely to begin operations by mid-2025
A H M E D A B A D : A s e m iautomated cargo terminal at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport in the city is likely to commence operations by the middle of this year. Phase one of the terminal, covering 21,000 sq m of the total 33,000 sq m facility, has been completed
I t i s l e a r n e d t h a t t h e infrastructure work for the terminal, located near the India Meteorological Department (IMD) office on the a i r p o
, i s
l e t e However, regulatory approvals from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) are still pending.
According to a news report, the terminal is expected to open before May once the approvals are received. With a capacity to handle up to 2 lakh tonnes of cargo monthly, the new terminal will support domestic and international shipments, including express couriers, pharmaceuticals, and other goods.
Suzuki Motor says Gujarat to be global production hub for EVs
AHMEDABAD : Gujarat will be the global production hub for Suzuki Motor’s electric cars and it plans to export the vehicles back to Japan as well as other markets, such as Europe, despite a slowdown in sales of EVs, the carmaker’s Chief Kinji Saito, Director of Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) said recently India is the biggest market by sales and revenue for Suzuki Motor present there through its majority stake in market leader Maruti Suzuki Maruti recently launched its first EV in India – the e Vitara mid-sized SUV which will be exported globally and also supplied to Suzuki’s partner Toyota Motor Corp.
“For Suzuki, the scale merit in India is our strength, and we will fully leverage this advantage to supply high-quality and appealing products across various markets such as Europe, Japan, Middle East, Africa, Central and South America,” Suzuki Motor President Toshihiro Suzuki told reporters in New Delhi.
“Globally the EV market is sluggish but I think in India there is a potential that EV sales are going to grow,” he said.
EV sales growth in India slowed to 20% last year from about 115% in 2023, but it still outpaced overall car market growth of 4% and the government has an ambitious target of boosting their
market share to 30% by 2030 from about 2.5% of 4.3 million cars sold last year. Suzuki has responded to concerns over the range of vehicles and the charging network by rolling out chargers at its service centres and will expand into small EVs once it has per fected the technology and manufacturing, the carmaker’s chief said.
It will also develop other green technologies, such as hybrids, gas and hydrogen, Suzuki said.
Suzuki Motor plans to invest more than $4 billion in India to double car production capacity to 4 million units a year by 2031, launch new models and defend its market share.
DEENDAYAL PORT
Stream African Avocet Aditya Marine
Nos. Windmill
Stream African Bari Bird Aditya Marine USA 48 Nos. Windmill BL 23/01 Boa Chowgule Bros 56,000 T. Salt
Stream Corsica Mystic Shpg. 180 T. Blades
Stream Dragon Malara Shpg. Nakala
OJ-II Ginga Cougar GAC Shpg.
Stream Glamor Anline Shpg.
Stream Haj Ali DBC
Stream Jingling Confidence Delta Waterways
CJ-XIV Limco Gold Chowgule Bros
CJ-XV Maple Harbour Mystic Shpg.
CJ-IV Marigold Chowgule Bros China
CJ-II Mercury J DBC Sudan
Stream New Born B S Shpg. Cotonou
Stream Prince Khalid DBC
Stream Soul Mercy Anline Shpg.
Stream Suvari Kaptan DBC
T. Rice Bags
T. Castor Oil INIXY125012480
T. Sugar Bags
Bags 24/01 SSI Dauntless Cross Trade
Stream Sole B S Shpg.
Stream Tokyo Spirit Upasana Shpg.
CJ-XVA Venetia Chowgule Bros
VESSELS IN PORT & DUE FOR IMPORT DISCHARGE
GENERAL CARGO VESSELS
OJ-I VACANT
OJ-II Ginga Cougar GAC Shpg. 24/01
OJ-III FPMC 27 Interocean 24/01
OJ-IV Sinar Malahayati GAC Shpg. 24/01
OJ-V Saehan Nuria
OJ-VI VACANT
OJ-VII
Steamer's Name Arrival on Next Destn.
Vita Harmony 21/01
Beauty Jasmine 21/01
TCI Anand 21/01 Manglore-CochinTuticorin-Chennai
Sofia II 21/01 Somalia
CS Sarafina 21/01 Bera
Shamim 22/01 Bandar Abbas-Jebel Ali-ConstantaChabahar
Glamor 22/01
Mercury J 22/01 Sudan
An Hai Pearl 22/01 China Sanmar Sitar 22/01
LIQUID CARGO VESSELS
Stream Al Mahboobah Kanoo Shpg.
Chemicals 28/01 Bow Titanium GAC Shpg.
OJ-VII CL Huaiyang JMBaxi
26/01 DM Dragon Samudra
OJ-III FPMC 27 Interocean
Stream Hakuba Galaxy GAC Shpg.
28/01 Lila Confidence GAC Shpg.
23/01 M Bright Samudra
CDSBO
Chemicals
CDSBO 25/01 No.5 Ocean Pioneer Samudra
25/01 No.6 Ocean Pioneer Interocean
CDSBO Stream Patridge Paicific Marinelinks
INIXY125012368
INIXY125012481
INIXY125012518 Stream Theresa Singapore JMBaxi
INIXY125012458 28/01 Tsurugi Galaxy GAC Shpg.
Stream Yi Cheng Scorpio Shpg.
KANDLA INTERNATIONAL CONTAINER TERMINAL (KICT)
TCI Express (TCI)
SSL Bharat (PIC1) Unifeeder Group Cochin-Tuticorin-Manglore
I./E. TEUs.
SHIPS SAILED WITH EXPORT CARGO
DP WORLD MUNDRA
WEST, NORTH & SOUTH AFRICAN PORTS
InterasiaInterasia Port Kelang, Ho Chi Min City, Laem Chabang (VTI)
Asyad Line Seabridge Marine Haiphong, Laem Chabang, Jakarta (IEX) TO LOAD FOR INDIAN SUB CONTINENT
26/01 26/01-AM Kmarin Azur 504W 5010299 Maersk Line Maersks India Colombo (MW2 MEWA)
CONTAINER VESSELS DUE
25/01 Wan Hai 501 (V-253W) 4010267 Wan Hai Line Karachi
IN PORT FOR IMPORT DISCHARGE
26/01 Kmarin Azir (V-504W) 5010299 Maersk India Nhava Sheva
26/01 X-Press Phoenix (V-24056E) 5010367 X-Press Feeder Karachi
CB-2 Oshairij (V-2501W) Poseidon Shpg 24/01
27/01 W Klaipeda (V-504W) 5010361 Maersk India Jebel Ali 29/01 Norderney (V-90W) 5010212 Unifeeder Ag
01/02
Maersk Chachai(V-503W) Colombo 21-01-2025 MYD Ningbo (V-6) Salalah 21-01-2025 Maersk Stralsund (V-503W) Nhava Sheva 22-01-2025
CB-1
Jebel Ali
Wan Hai 613 (V-67E) 5010414 Wan Hai Line Nhava Sheva
ADANI MUNDRA CONTAINER TERMINAL (AMCT)
/
KMTC (I) / Interasia
28/01-PM Xin Chang Shu 91E 2500192 Wan Hai Line Wan Hai Lines Port Kleang (W), Hong Kong, Qingdao, Kwangyang, Pusan, 29/01 COSCO/Evergreen COSCO / Evergreen Ningbo, Shekou, Singapore, Shanghai (PMX) 30/01 29/01-PM Zhong Gu Gui Yang 2501E 2500253 Interasia/GSL Aissa M./Star Shpg Port Kelang, Singapore, Tanjung Pelepas, Xingang, Qingdao, 31/01 Evergreen/KMTCEvergreen/KMTC (FIVE)
TBA One/X-Press Feeder OneIndia / SC-SPL Port Kelang, HongKong, Shanghai, Ningbo, Shekou. (CWX) KMTC /TS Line KMTC India/TS Line (I) Port Kelang, Hongkong, Sanghai, Ningbo. (CWX) TO LOAD FOR INDIAN
In Port —/— Celsius Naples 907E 2500243 Evergreen / ONEEvergreen / ONE Colombo (CISC)
Feedertech / TSLFeedertech / TSL
Port —/— ESL Oman 2452E 2500123 KMTC/COSCO KMTC / COSCO Shpg. Colombo (AIS)
25/01-AM KMTC
ADANI INTERNATIONAL CONTAINER TERMINAL
PIPAVAV PORT
Busan, Kwangyang, 24/01 23/01 23/01-1900 GSL Eleni 503E 25019 X-Press Feeders Merchant Shpg. Ningbo. (NWX) 24/01 29/01 29/01-1900 GSL Christen 505E 25035 Sinokor/Heung A Sinokor India Port kelang, Singapore, Qindao, Xingang, Pusan.
26/01 26/01-1000 One Arcadia 071E 25028 ONE ONE (India) Port Kelang, Singapore, Haiphong, Cai Mep, Pusan, Shahghai, 27/01 01/02 01/02-1000 Conti Conquest 030E 25041 HMM / YML HMM(I) / YML(I) Ningbo, Shekou (PS3)
FOR WEST ASIA GULF, RED
Cochin, Mundra. (CCG)
SHIPPING MOVEMENTS AT ADANI HAZIRA PORT
Maharashtra to launch ‘Innovation City’ similar to Gujarat’s GIFT City
M U M B A I : M a h a r a s h
Shri Devendra Fadnavis has announced the creation of an “Innovation City” to foster start-up growth and innovation-based industries, modelled after Gujarat’s GIFT City on National Start-Up Day The new hub aims to nurture cutting-edge fields like AI and will solidify Maharashtra’s position as India’s start-up capital. Furthermore, a dedicated Rs. 200 crore fund has been established to boost start-ups, with a special focus on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Each revenue division will receive Rs. 30 crore to ensure widespread access to these resources. In addition, a new start-up policy is set to launch within two months, offering tax benefits, streamlined compliance processes, and expedited
with public feedback invited to shape the final version.
With over 25,000
, Maharashtra continues to lead the country in both investment and start-up valuation, with cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur contributing significantly to the growth. The state is also focusing on women-led ventures and transforming ITIs into AI innovation centres.
DFCCIL MD inspects nal stretch of Western Dedicated Freight Corridor in Maharashtra
MUMBAI: Praveen Kumar, Managing Director of the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL), carried out a comprehensive inspection of the final stretch of the Western Dedicated F r e i g h t C o r r i d o r ( W D F C ) i n Maharashtra This section traverses difficult terrain and is likely to be completed and commissioned later thisyear.
T h e s e n i o r o f f i c i a l s t h a t accompanied Kumar included Sandesh Srivastava, the Executive Director of Infrastructure; Jitender Srivastava, General Manager of Security; Amit Saurashti, General
Manager of Corporate Coordination; SK Negi, Advisor; Paramjeet, Chief General Manager of Mumbai (South); and HG Tiwari, General Manager of Electrical for Mumbai (South), along with other officials and stakeholders belonging to DFCCIL.
The inspection included pivotal sites such as the Panvel Yard, JNPT Yard, Kundevahal Tunnel , North Tunnel, South Tunnel, and the Isolated Tunnel, where progress was reviewed in detail Officials from respective units provided on-site updates The visit emphasised assessing the section’s construction status, addressing challenges, and
expediting completion.
The Vaitarna-JNPT section will be the final leg of the WDFC, connecting JNPT with the freight corridor. This would be a link that would enhance the movement of freight and connect the northern hinterland with key consumer markets and export centres. In the inspection, Kumar underscored the timely execution of the work in achieving the highest quality and safety standards. The officials of D F C C I L a n d s t a k e h o l d e r s reiterated their commitment to meet the project milestones on established timelines.
India sets ambitious target of $250 Bn in
Engineering
NEW DELHI: Indian Government aims to achieve USD 1 trillion in exports by 2030, with USD 250 billion expected from the engineering sector, according to Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal. This ambitious target reflects the significant role of e n g i n e e r i n g , w h i c h i n c l u d e s a u t o m o b i l e s a n d e q u i p m e n t , contributing nearly 25% to India’s total exports.
B a r t h w a l h i g h l i g h t e d t h e
G o v e r n m e n t ’ s f o c u s o n infrastructure development as a key driver for this goal. The expansion of ports, airports, and railways, along with road widening projects, supports this vision He also mentioned the growing middle class as a factor influencing export growth. Engineering Sector’s Role in Export Growth
India is traditionally known for its leather and textile industries. However, the engineering sector is b e c o m i n g i n c r e a s i n g l y v i t a l
exports by 2030
Barthwal addressed a conference of c o n s t r u c t i o n e q u i p m e n t manufacturers, emphasizing the sector’s potential in reaching the USD 1 trillion export target.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has discussed multi-modal transport to enhance last-mile connectivity This approach aligns with the government’s infrastructure goals and supports the engineering sector’s growth. Barthwal noted that energy transition efforts will create demand for technologies with net-zero carbon emissions.
Opportunities for Innovation and Mobility
Youth in India are encouraged to explore innovative ideas that can lead t o p a t e n t s a n d c o m m e r c i a l production Barthwal mentioned Prime Minister Modi’s interaction with young entrepreneurs at Bharat Mobility, focusing on efficient charging systems and mobility solutions.
The commerce secretary stressed the importance of safe and secure travel within the mobility industry. T h e C o m m e r c e M i n i s t r y i s addressing challenges faced by the industry to ensure a level playing field against global competitors.
Global Expansion and Capability Centres
Barthwal urged industry players to expand globally by establishing global capability centres. This move would enhance their competitiveness and align with India’s export ambitions. The government’s support aims to facilitate this expansion by overcoming existing industr y challenges.
The Government’s export target underscores its commitment to economic growth through strategic sectoral development. By leveraging infrastructure improvements and fostering innovation, India aims to strengthen its position in global trade.
Shri Devendra Fadnavis
Green nod for second and third phases of Vizhinjam Port expansion likely in March
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Vizhinjam International Seaport which began commercial operations in December 2024 is expected to receive the environmental clearance for the second and third phases of the development of the port by March A public hearing on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report submitted to the Expert Appraisal Committee for securing Environmental Clearance for the next phases of the developments was held in New Delhi recently
It is not known what transpired in the meeting of the Expert Appraisal
C o m m i t t e e o f t h e M i n i s t r y o f Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for projects
r e l a t i n g t o i n f r a s t r u c t u r e d e v e l o p m e n t a n d t h e C o a s t a l Regulation Zone However, the p
I
(VISL), a special purpose vehicle (SPV) set up to implement the Vizhinjam deep water multipurpose s e a p o r t o n a p u b l i c - p r
concessionaire Adani Vizhinjam Ports Private Ltd (AVPPL) are hopeful of receiving the nod possibly by March, according to sources
The Expert Appraisal Committee will have to recommend the project for Environmental Clearance, and the final clearance has to be granted by the M i n i s t r y o f E n v i r o n m e n t a n d F o r e s t s b a s e d o
h e recommendation. Once the green nod is issued, development to the tune of Rs. 10,000 crore will be carried out by the AVPPL as part of expanding the deepwater container transshipment port The Kerala Government recently e n t e r e d i n t o a s
concession agreement with the AVPPL, advancing the second and third phases of work to 2028 instead of 2045 deadline fixedinthefirstcontractualagreement.
The supplement agreement was signed as part of ending the arbitration proceedings between the AVPPL and the State Government over the delay in the project,whichsawadelayoffiveyears
However, an ongoing stalemate between the State and the Centre over the Viability Gap Fund (VGF) has been
delaying a tripartite agreement to be signed by the State Government, AVPPL, and the Centre. The premium sharing agreement is also part of the tripartite agreement. Signing the tripartite agreement is necessary to end the arbitration proceedings.
The Centre which earlier agreed to provide its VGF share of Rs. 817.80 crore to the port concessionaire, is yet to make the payment after the Centre insisted that Kerala will have to repay the VGF share of the Centre, a point that K e r a l a
. Of the Rs 8,867 crore project in phase I, Rs. 5,595 crore has to be borne by the State Government The State s h
construction of the access road, rail connectivity, land acquisition, and compensation for livelihood loss. So far, the State has spent Rs. 2,159.39 crore, while the Adani’s contributed Rs. 2,454 crore. Upon completion of the second and third phases of the work, the port will see the container handling capacity increased to 30 lakh TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) from the 10 lakh TEUs in Phase I.
Union Budget 2025 : India may shift focus to Railways from Road transport in infrastructure push
NEW DELHI: India will bump up spending on the modernisation of its railways in the upcoming federal budget while marginally increasing allocations to road building, two Government sources said.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Government has ramped up infrastructure spending, particularly on the road network, since the pandemic to drive economic growth, but execution challenges could see the focus shift to the railways, the sources said.
Finance Minister Smt.Nirmala Sitharaman will present the 2025/26 budget on Feb. 1. The sources requested anonymity as they are not authorised to speak to the media about the budget discussions India’s finance, road transport, and railways ministries did n o t r e s p o n d t o e m a i l s s e e k i n g comment.
The Railways Ministry’s budget
allocations could rise to between 2.9 trillion rupees and 3 trillion rupees ($33.5 billion-$34.7 billion) for the 2025/26 fiscal year, up from 2.55 trillion rupees, a government source said.
The increase would help fund the expansion of state-run Indian Railways’ more than 68,000 km of track and a goal of adding 400 high-speed Vande Bharat trains by March 2027, as well as an in rail freight, the source said.
The road transport ministry is expecting a 3% to 4% budget increase to about 2.9 trillion rupees ($34.7 billion), after its total spending rose six-fold in a decade, a government source familiar with budget discussions, said.
India has expanded its road network by nearly 60% over the period to more than 146,000 km.
“Given spending limits and land acquisition challenges affecting new projects, the ministry would be
content with a 2%-3% budget hike,” the official said, adding the focus is also on raising funds through internal resources
Policymakers have expressed concerns about a drop in spending by the road transport ministry, partly due to project delays caused by last year’s national and state elections.
The road transport ministry spent only 54% of its full-year budget in the first eight months of the fiscal year through November, government spending data shows, compared to 76% at the railways ministry
The road transport ministry plans to raise additional funds by selling toll collection rights to private firms and monetising road assets. It aims to raise up to 1 trillion rupees annually, to partly fund plans to build 50,000 km of highspeed road network in coming years, the first source said.
India transforms from importer to exporter, shipping
135,877 tons of Frozen French Fries in 2023-24
NEW DELHI : In 1992, Lamb Weston, an American processed food company, initiated the import of Frozen French Fries (FF) into India, targeting star hotels. Canadian multinational McCain Foods entered the Indian market in 1996 as the exclusive supplier to McDonald’s, marking its debut in the Country
The consumption of these crispy straight-cut deep-fried potatoes surged, with imports exceeding 5,000 tons annually by the mid-2000s and reaching a peak of 7,863 tons in the fiscal year 2010-11. However, the narrative shifted dramatically by 2023-24, with India ceasing imports and instead, exporting 135,877 tons of FF,
valued at approximately 18 3 million USD During April-October 2024, the export figures stood at 106,506 tons, worth about 13 1 million USD
This transformation from an i m p o r t e r t o a n e x p o r t e r o f a quintessentially western fast-food item is attributed to the foresight of domestic entrepreneurs.
Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet reaches a total capacity of 2.34 million TEUs
H A M B U R G :
H a p a g - L l o y d , t h e
world’s fifth-largest container shipping carrier, has reached a significant milestone in its storied history. Founded in 1847, the company has taken delivery of its 300th chartered vessel, marking the largest fleet size in its history.
The milestone vessel, a 24,480-dwt ship chartered from Reederei NORD Group, joins Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet alongside its sister ships, Nordbaltic and Nordpuma Although not the largest vessel in the fleet, it represents an important addition The ships are being constructed by HuangPu Wenchong Shipbuilding Co , a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC)
Each vessel has a capacity of 1,930 TEU, including 313 FEU reefer containers, and measures 564 feet (172 meters) in length. According to Hapag-Lloyd, these ships will support its broader fleet renewal strategy and enhance its intra-Asia feeder services.
“This milestone reflects not only the growth of our fleet but the dedication of our teams and the trust of our partners worldwide,” writes Hapag. “According to Hansa Online, Hapag-Lloyd’s capacity grew by an impressive 18.7 percent in 2024, reaching a total of 2.3 million TEU –a testament to our continued focus on connecting global trade.”
In its 2023 annual report, the company said it had
260 container vessels with a capacity of approximately 2 million TEU. It was up from 2020 when it reported 237 vessels and a shipping capacity of 1.7 million TEU.
It is less than 60 years since Hapag entered the container segment. They note in the company history that Sealand’s first container vessel arrived in Hamburg in 1966 and was viewed with skepticism However, just two years later, Hapag-Lloyd Container Linien, a cooperation between Hapag and North German Lloyd inaugurated the Weser Express (728 TEU) from Bremen, the first European full container service to New York followed just two weeks later by the Elbe Express from Hamburg.
The unthinkable happened in 1970 when long-time German rivals HAPAG (Hamburg-Amerikanische Packetfahrt-Actien-Gesellschaft) and North German Lloyd (NDL) merged. At the time, the combined fleet was 112 ocean-going vessels.
The current fleet consists of 129 owned vessels and 171 on charter with a total capacity of 2.34 million TEU placing the company fifth in Alphaliner’s ranking of the largest carriers They calculate the company has 37 vessels on order with a total capacity of 468,000 TEU.
This year also marks a milestone for Hapag as its new cooperation with Maersk, Gemini, is due to start in February 2025. It looks for continued growth and fleet expansion as it pursues the opportunity of the new operating agreement.
Govt should propose robust capex in developing both Physical & Digital infrastructures : Ravi Jakhar, Chief Strategy Officer, Allcargo Group
MUMBAI: The logistics industry is poised to play an enabling role in driving economic growth on the back of policy support, technology i n t e g r a t i o n a n d c o n t i n u e d i n f r a s t r u c t u r e development. Hence, in the Union Budget 2025-26, we expect the government to propose robust capex in developing both physical and digital infrastructures to build the pathway for India to become a $5 trillion economy by FY27-28, opines Mr. Ravi Jakhar, Chief Strategy Ofcer, Allcargo Group.
“For the logistics industry, the continued push by the government for infrastructure development through initiatives like National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, etc. will help the industry make significant progress in achieving efficiency. A robust road, rail, air and waterway networks, growing network of multi-modal logistics parks, developing renewable energy infrastructure and strong digital infrastructure will further expand economic activities geographically,
drive sustainability and enhance the service delivery capacity and capabilities for the logistics industry A sustained capex push will a l s o a t t r a c t p r i v a t e investment in infrastructure development However considering long gestation, government has to take lead in logistics infrastructure capex to boost efficiency in supply chains.
“In addition, earlier E-commerce and now quick commerce's rapid growth has underscored the necessity for agile and accelerated distribution capabilities. Therefore, the budget should propose fiscal measures to facilitate adoption of new-age technologies such as AI, automation, IoT so that the logistics industry breaks new grounds in efficiency as well as capacity utilisation and deployment.''
Indian economy to grow 6.5-6.8% in 2024-25 fiscal, projects
MUMBAI: Amid evolving economic conditions, Deloitte India, in its latest Economic Outlook, has revised its annual GDP growth projection for 2024-25 to 6.5-6.8 per cent, with expectations for 6.7-7.3 per cent in the following year
Multinational professional services firm Deloitte said the adjustment reflects the need for cautious optimism as the economy navigates a rising global trade and investment uncertainties.
Q2 2024-25 GDP growth stood at 5.4 percent yearover-year, falling short of market expectations In response, the RBI lowered its annual growth forecast
Deloitte
to 6.6 percent, while the latest NSO survey estimated growth at 6.4 percent for the current fiscal year.
Rumki Majumdar, Economist at Deloitte India, argues "Election uncertainties in the first quarter followed by a modest activity in construction and manufacturing in the subsequent quarter due to weather-related disruptions led to weaker-thanexpected gross fixed capital for mation. The government's capex stood at just 37.3 percent of annual targets in the first half, a sharp decline from last year's 49 percent, and there is a lag in the momentum it needs to gain."
Mr. Ravi Jakhar
