Shipping / Transport
Visakhapatnam Port will reach 100% landlord port model by 2030, says Port Authority Chairman Angamuthu
The Chairman of Visakhapatnam Port Authority, M Angamuthu, has stated that three more public-private partnership (PPP) projects will be awarded by the end of next year, bringing the total number of private berths in the port to 20 by 2025. Angamuthu also expressed confidence that Visakhapatnam will become a 100% landlord port by 2030, with private companies handling all day-to-day operations.
Major ports embrace transformation to 'landlord ports' in pursuit of efficiency and growth
Major ports in India, including Visakhapatnam port, are transitioning to a landlord port model, where private players take over the operational aspects of the business while the ports act as regulators and landlords. This shift towards public-private partnerships is aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing costs. Currently, six private companies control eight out of 29 berths at Visakhapatnam port, contributing 60% of the total throughput.
DHL Express to hike prices for parcel deliveries as part of annual revision
DHL Express will increase parcel delivery prices in India by an average of 6.9% from January 1, 2024. The annual price adjustment takes into account factors such as inflation and aims to provide stable and reliable services to customers globally. The price increase will enable the company to invest in improved solutions and enhance flexibility across its network.
Private port terminal operators may get pricing freedom
It is eyeing a minimum revenue commitment - linked to increments to the Wholesale Price Index - to ensure that the government's income is not impacted if the existing concessionaires migrate to the new tariff regime, said officials. "The minimum revenue commitment will insulate the Centre from any risks associated with lower tariffs being offered by private concessionaires to bag more cargo," a senior shipping ministry official said on condition of anonymity.
Post IPO, JSW Infra will be net debt free as a company: Arun Maheshwari, Joint MD & CEO
"The total IPO is for Rs 2,800 crore, out of which Rs 880 crore will go towards the repayment of debts. About Rs 1,200 crore will be towards capex, and Rs 700 crore will be towards general corporate purposes."
State-run ports seek oil spill centres, immigration facility
Raising issues related to multiple government arms conducting audits and inspections, the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board proposed streamlining security audits and inspections in non-major ports. Currently, export-import (Exim) ports are audited by the Directorate General of Shipping. Separate audits are being conducted by the Intelligence Bureau, Navy, Central Industrial Security Force and the Coast Guard.
JSW Infrastructure plans to bid for terminals at major ports
The company is currently participating in tenders for terminals in Goa, Haldia, Kandla, Ennore and Vizag, among others, and will be prioritising container, liquid and gas terminals as it looks to focus on connectivity and value addition for customers.
Ports Bill in works to make tariffs transparent and revamp penalties
The Indian government is working on a new legislative framework for ports that aims to improve transparency in port tariffs and update penalties for offenses. The proposed Indian Ports Bill, 2023, will empower the Maritime States Development Council (MSDC) to promote integrated planning between states and the central government.
Kolkata Port offers 25pc rebate on reefer power charges to boost perishable cargo exports
Kolkata Port, also known as Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, is offering a 25% discount on reefer container electricity charges for perishable exports at Kolkata Dock System. The aim is to attract exporters from the eastern and northeastern regions who currently use other ports. The discount will help boost exports of perishables by maintaining the freshness and quality of goods during transportation.
Russia to train Indian seafarers for polar and arctic waters
Discussions on India-Russia maritime cooperation gained momentum when ports, shipping and waterways minister Sarbananda Sonowal met Russian minister for development of the Far East and Arctic A O Chekunkov in Vladivostok on Wednesday.
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Dheeraj Bhatia appointed to executive board of Hapag-Lloyd
Indian-origin executive Dheeraj Bhatia has been appointed to the executive board of Hapag-Lloyd and as chief executive officer of its international terminals business. The Hamburg-headquartered firm ranks amongst the top five shipping companies in the world.
India wants World Bank to change how Logistic Performance Index is calculated
This index helps countries identify the challenges and opportunities countries face in their performance on trade logistics. Rankings are based on a perception-based survey conducted across select stakeholders dealing with respective countries.
Blue Dart rebrands delivery service as Bharat Dart
The decision to rebrand the service as Bharat Dart was taken after "extensive discovery and research process aimed at aligning itself to the evolving needs of its customers", Blue Dart Express said.
DP World opens 3.80-lakh sq ft warehousing facility at Bhiwandi, Maharashtra
Global logistics operator DP World has opened a new 380,000 square foot warehousing facility in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, India. The facility, located on the Mumbai-Nashik Highway, will serve businesses in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, electric vehicles, and chemicals. With the addition of the Bhiwandi warehouse, DP World now has over 5 million square feet of warehousing space across India.
Gati expects 18-20 pc increase in festive season demand this year
Logistics firm Gati expects an 18-20% increase in demand during the festive season, particularly in e-commerce and white goods segments. The company is prepared to handle the surge with its enhanced warehousing and delivery capabilities. Gati has set up a surface transhipment centre and distribution warehouse in Thane district and other centres in Haryana, Indore, Nagpur, and Guwahati.
Blue Dart gets on the Bharat bandwagon, renames express service to Bharat Dart
Blue Dart Express Limited has rebranded its service, formerly known as Dart Plus, as Bharat Dart. The company stated that the name change reflects its commitment to serving the diverse needs of Bharat, India's middle class, and emerging markets. Blue Dart has expanded its serviceable locations, with a focus on tier II and tier III cities, which accounted for 18.6% and 37.1% of the e-commerce market respectively in FY-23. The company aims to support small businesses and MSMEs in these cities and connect them to the global market through seamless delivery solutions.
