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London Court Confirms Djibouti Acted Illegally in Seizing DP World-Built Terminal

The London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) has issued its final ruling in the case between DP World and Djibouti’s government-owned Port de Djibouti SA (PDSA).

The Tribunal confirmed that Djibouti’s 2018 seizure of the Doraleh Container Terminal (DCT) was unlawful. Although the Tribunal declined to award damages against PDSA on the basis that the harm was caused by the Government of Djibouti, not PDSA, DP World’s claims worth around $1 billion against the government and its partner China Merchants Port Holding remain active.

DP World’s existing arbitration awards of approximately $685 million against the government of Djibouti also remain valid and enforceable. The Government has so far refused to honour these binding awards, a clear act of contempt for the rule of law and international business standards.

The LCIA also confirmed that DP World’s 50-year concession agreement for Doraleh is legally valid and still binding, and the attempt to terminate it is unlawful. Yet, the Government continues to block DP World from exercising its rights at the terminal.

PDSA was awarded costs in this specific proceeding. However, earlier rulings by the LCIA found PDSA’s attempt to terminate DP World’s 2006 Joint Venture Agreement for DCT were unlawful. The net effect is that PDSA still owes DP World a substantial sum.

This ruling brings the LCIA arbitration proceedings to a close but does not end DP World’s wider dispute. DP World will pursue all available legal avenues to secure fair compensation and enforce its rights against the Government of Djibouti and China Merchants.

In response to the Republic of Djibouti’s article on 30 September, it is important to set the record straight and correct the false narrative being promoted by the Government.

False Claims vs Facts;

Claim: DP World’s $1 billion claim was “dismissed in full”

Fact: The Tribunal dismissed only the claim against PDSA, because the liability lies with the Government of Djibouti. Claims against the Government and China Merchants remain active.

Claim: The ruling “ends the dispute.”

Fact: DP World’s $685 million awards remain unpaid. Billion-dollar claims against the Government and China Merchants continue.

Claim: The seizure of DCT was lawful.

Fact: Multiple rulings by independent tribunals have confirmed the seizure was illegal and unlawful.

DP World also rejects false claims made by Djibouti’s leadership in response to the ruling. President Ismail Omar Guelleh’s recent video statement misrepresents the facts of the case and ignores numerous binding decisions by neutral courts.

“Djibouti’s claims are at odds with reality, proven time and again in independent international tribunals. It is extraordinary that the Government continues to spread a false narrative despite overwhelming evidence. This undermines investor confidence, damages Djibouti’s reputation, and ultimately hurts its people. DP World has successfully invested billions across Africa, and globally, creating jobs, infrastructure and growth. But this case is bigger than DP World — it is about whether governments can tear up binding contracts and ignore international law without consequence. Djibouti’s behaviour is a clear warning to serious investors,” said a DP World spokesperson.

Source: Port Wings Maritime Weekly

American Submarine Tender Frank Cable Docks at Chennai Port

 

The USS Frank Cable (AS-40), a Emory S. Land-class submarine tender and mobile repair platform that provides intermediate-level maintenance, logistics, and support to submarines and surface vessels in the Indo-Pacific, currently forward-deployed to the U.S. Naval Base on Guam, has arrived at Chennai Port for a brief halt.

Commissioned in 1979, USS Frank Cable is equipped to repair, rearm, and re-provision other ships and has a mixed crew of approximately 350 to 400 US Navy sailors and 150 civilian mariners. On 26 August, US Consulate in Chennai organized a guided tour for local media personnel to showcase the facilities in the vessel.

It may be noted that Frank Cable docked in an Indian port after a gap of three years. In August 2022, the vessel arrived in the Indian territorial waters and berthed at Vishakapatnam for a few days.

As part of the on-board tour, Executive Officer of the vessel, Commander Michael Rodriguez, briefed the media personnel. Commander Michael Rodriguez said: "Our job is to repair, rearm and resupply submarines in their home port or in other ports. We anchor away from the home port of a submarine and help them restore."

"This is a great opportunity to reinforce our partnership with the Indian Navy," he added.

Speaking about the presence of civilian mariners in the vessel, Commander Rodriguez said, “They go to another submarine or vessel when it is difficult to navigate in high sea. They are licensed by the US Coast Guard and inspect that submarine onboard and come back in order to take measures to restore it.”

The ship is also equipped to provide medical services on board with the appointment of two physicians and 18 individuals.

Briefing about the medical facilities to the visiting media contingent, Senior Medical Officer, Commander Kenneth Willaert, said, “We have various support staff to run the show. Some of the services offered are fixed x-rays, laboratory, pharmacy. We also have capabilities like blood bank as some have volunteered to donate blood in case we require blood transfusion.”

Repair Officer Jordan Klein and Supply Officer Michael Dausen also elaborated about the facilities available on-board Frank Cable.

According to information available on social media, Frank Cable docked at Ketapang Port, Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia, two weeks ago for a scheduled port visit, and set sail towards Chennai Port on 22 August.

Source: https://portwings.in/american-submarine-tender-franck-cable-docks-at-chennai-port

 

New Maersk Vessel Class To Enter Service

 

A.P. Moller - Maersk (Maersk) has named the first vessel in a series of 17,480 TEU vessels equipped with dual-fuel methanol propulsion. The naming event took place on 18 June at Hyundai Heavy Industries’ (HHI) yard in Ulsan, South Korea.

According to a media statement released from Copenhagen, the vessel, Berlin Mærsk, is the 14th dual-fuel newbuild entering the Maersk fleet, and it will be followed by additional five sister vessels in this new class of container ships.

“With the launch of the Berlin Mærsk class, we continue to build an ocean toolkit adaptable to multiple fuel pathways. Fleet renewal is essential for maintaining our competitive edge in ocean shipping, and it serves as a cornerstone of our commitment to decarbonisation,” says Anda Cristescu, Head of Chartering & Newbuilding at Maersk.

On 7 July, Berlin Mærsk will make its first port call in Shanghai, where it will enter service on Maersk’s AE3 service connecting Eastern Asia with Northern Europe.

Familiar design
The vessel's design closely resembles that of the previous Ane Mærsk class, from which Maersk has received a total of 12 dual-fuel vessels, all built by HHI. The only significant difference is the wider beam, which allows Berlin Mærsk to carry more containers. The increased capacity also makes it the largest dual-fuel ship to date to join the Maersk fleet.

“We are happy that we now begin taking delivery of the Berlin Mærsk series. Since our decision to order the first dual-fuel methanol vessel in 2021, we have come a long way with lots of other carriers investing in this propulsion technology as well. Our new Berlin Mærsk class builds on the foundation that we first laid with Laura Mærsk and later the Ane Mærsk class. The Berlin Mærsk class showcases our ongoing efforts in innovation and optimisation, setting a new industry efficiency benchmark," says Ole Graa Jakobsen, Head of Fleet Technology at Maersk. All six vessels in the series are being built by HHI with delivery in 2025. They will sail under the Danish flag. 

A.P. Moller - Maersk is an integrated logistics company working to connect and simplify its customers’ supply chains. As a global leader in logistics services, the company operates in more than 130 countries and employs 100,000 people world-wide. Maersk is aiming to reach net zero emissions by 2040 across the entire business with new technologies, new vessels, and alternative fuels. 

Contecon Manzanillo Enhances Capacity With New Equipment

Contecon Manzanillo (CMSA), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) Mexican business unit and operator of the Second Specialized Container Terminal at the Port of Manzanillo, continues to enhance its operational capabilities with the acquisition of two quay cranes and four hybrid rubber tired gantry (RTG) cranes.

CMSA took delivery of the new equipment on May 11, further expanding its modern fleet. At 60 meters high, the quay cranes are the largest in the Americas. They enable agile and efficient operations on vessels up to 400 meters long with beams of more than 60 meters. The acquisition is part of the ongoing terminal expansion and supports CMSA’s goal of handling more than two million TEUs annually.

The cranes also mark a crucial step toward increasing Mexico’s global competitiveness and consolidating the Port of Manzanillo as a national leader in port operations. Once fully commissioned, the cranes will enable CMSA to simultaneously handle three ships with length overall of up to 400 meters each – effectively raising the standard of port operation in the region.

“By acquiring new port equipment and strengthening our infrastructure, we reaffirm our commitment to Mexican foreign trade and consolidate our position as one of the country’s leading logistics platforms,” explained José Antonio Contreras, CMSA chief executive officer.

Aside from the additional dock and yard equipment, CMSA’s expansion project also includes infrastructure upgrades that will enable the terminal to accommodate up to 24,000-TEU capacity megaships. The new berth, which will be completed in the coming months, is designed to handle vessels with drafts of -17 meters. This competitive and operational advantage will maximize the cargo capacity of ships crossing the Pacific from Asia. The Port of Manzanillo handles 70 percent of imports from Asia.

“Thanks to our strategic investments, we increased our operational capacity leading to 14 percent growth in 2024, moved 1.5 million TEUs, and contributed to the economic development of Manzanillo and Mexico,” added Contreras.

CMSA’s total investments from 2023 to 2026 will reach more than USD300 million. The Company will continue to allocate the needed resources to improve the terminal’s operation and ensure Mexican foreign trade access to the Pacific logistics routes, where shipping lines have increasingly deployed larger, deeper-draft vessels.

About Contecon Manzanillo SA de CV (CMSA)

In June 2010, ICTSI signed a 34-year concession for the development and operation of the Second Specialized Container Terminal (TEC-II) at the Port of Manzanillo in Mexico. ICTSI established a subsidiary, Contecon Manzanillo SA de CV to operate the Port of Manzanillo. Ideally located to serve the growing Asian trade, CMSA is Mexico's gateway to the Pacific coast and is close to major consumer markets, such as Mexico City and the country's largest industrial areas. (www.contecon.mx)

Maersk Reports Solid Results in Increasingly Volatile Environment

For the first quarter of 2025 A.P. Moller - Maersk A/S (Maersk) reports revenue growth of 7.8% to USD 13.3bn with EBIT increasing to USD 1.3bn from USD 177m a year ago. These results, while sequentially down as expected, represent a good start to the year and were driven by solid profitability in Ocean, operational improvements in Logistics & Services and higher volumes in Terminals. For the full year 2025, Maersk maintains its financial guidance despite the increased uncertainty leading to a more cautious container volume growth outlook.

“We delivered strong results compared to the same quarter last year, driven by momentum in our operational efficiency and a global economy in good shape for the first three months. With trade tensions flaring up and uncertainty on the rise, global supply chains are once again in the spotlight. We are happy to be able to put the full strength of our product offering at our customers’ disposal. From the most reliable Ocean network to one of the best lead logistics and customs support teams, we are pulling every lever to help them make the best decisions for their business. At the same time, we are doubling down on the work underway on automation and cost management to remain fit for what lies ahead. These efforts give us the confidence to deliver a result in line with our guidance communicated in February,” says Vincent Clerc, CEO of Maersk.

 

Ocean saw improved profitability compared to the same quarter last year due to higher rates and stable volumes with an EBIT of USD 743m while the sequential decrease was as anticipated. Utilisation remained high and costs were stable due to continued high focus on optimisation. The new East-West network, which was launched in February, is on track to deliver on the reliability ambition and cost efficiencies once fully phased in.

The EBIT margin in Logistics & Services improved compared to the first quarter of last year and reached 4.1% driven by multiple products and the continued focus on costs and productivity. Revenue from freight management services grew 18% compared to the same quarter last year driven by Project Logistics. Ongoing operational improvements in fulfilment services also contributed significantly.

 

Terminals continued its great performance driven by strong volume growth, higher revenue per move and increased storage revenue, while costs were under control through automation and increased capacity utilization. Return on invested capital (ROIC) increased to 14.5%.

Financial guidance

Maersk maintains its full-year 2025 guidance of underlying EBITDA of USD 6-9bn, underlying EBIT of USD 0-3bn and free cash flow of at least negative USD 3.0bn. The global container market volume growth has been revised to -1% to 4% given the increased macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty. Maersk expects to grow in line with the market. The disruption in the Red Sea is expected to continue throughout the rest of the year.

Source: Official Press Release

Baltic Container Terminal Welcomes New MSC Service

Baltic Container Terminal (BCT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) operation in the Port of Gdynia, Poland, has been integrated into the rotation of Mediterranean Shipping Company’s (MSC) Britannia Ocean Service.

MSC’s new service made its inaugural call in BCT on April 9, marked by the arrival of the MSC Rose. It offers a direct deep-sea connection between Asia and Northern Europe, covering major commercial ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Yantian, Vung Tau, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, and Liverpool.

 

“BCT’s inclusion in MSC’s new service strengthens the Port of Gdynia’s role as a deep-water port and highlights our terminal’s modern facilities. We expect the service to increase export transshipment volume and boost intermodal operations,” said Wojciech Szymulewicz, BCT chief executive officer.

 

“With the arrival of this new service, we embrace the opportunity to expand our role in international maritime trade and make the Port of Gdynia more globally competitive,” he added.

 

BCT moved a total of 8,200 TEUs during the call of the 364-meter-long MSC ROSE, which was followed by the call of the 366-meter-long MSC DARIA on April 17. The vessels have capacities of 15,500 TEUs and 15,264 TEUs, respectively. Receiving regular calls from these ultra large container vessels highlights BCT’s capability to handle the largest vessels in existence, underlining the terminal’s strategic importance in the Baltic Sea region.

 

About Baltic Container Terminal Ltd. (BCT)

In May 2003, ICTSI was awarded a 20-year concession by the Port Authority of Gydnia to develop, operate and manage the container terminal in Pomerania, Gydnia, Poland. ICTSI purchased Baltycki Terminal Kontenerowy Sp. z. o. o. (BCT), which had held the lease to the terminal. Poland’s window to the world, BCT is strategically located within pan-European transport corridors and railway routes, and with excellent road and on-dock rail connectivity to inland Europe. (www.bct.gydnia.pl)

 

About International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI)
Headquartered and established in 1988 in Manila, Philippines, International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) is in the business of port development, management and operations.  ICTSI’s portfolio of terminals and projects are located in developed and emerging market economies in the Asia Pacific, the Americas, and Europe, the Middle East and Africa.  Independent with no shipping or consignee-related interests, ICTSI works and transacts transparently with all stakeholders of the supply chain.  ICTSI continues to receive global acclaim for its public-private partnerships, which are focused on sustainable development, and supported by corporate social responsibility initiatives. (www.ictsi.com) 

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Receives Additional Orders for Three Methanol-Fueled RORO Cargo Ships

Contract Signing Ceremony
(From left: Mr. Eiji Takeichi, President, Toyofuji Shipping
Mr. Shoichiro Miyazaki, President, Miyazaki Sangyo Kaiun
Mr. Kiminori Hiura, President, Nichitoku Kisen
Mr. Shin Ueda, President & CEO, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding)

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has received additional orders for three methanol-fueled roll-on/roll-off (RORO) cargo ships(Note1) from Toyofuji Shipping Co., Ltd. (Aichi Prefecture), Miyazaki Sangyo Kaiun Co., Ltd. (Oita Prefecture), and Nichitoku Kisen Co., Ltd. (Hiroshima Prefecture). The three ships will be built at the Enoura Plant of MHI's Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works in Yamaguchi Prefecture, with scheduled completion and delivery in order from fiscal 2028.

The ships will be approximately 168.0 meters in overall length and 30.2 meters in breadth, with 15,750 gross tonnage, and loading capacity for around 2,300 passenger vehicles.

A windscreen at the bow and a vertical stem are used to reduce propulsion resistance, while fuel efficiency is improved by employing MHI's proprietary energy-saving system technology combining high-efficiency propellers and high-performance rudders with reduced resistance. The main engine is a high-performance dual-fuel engine that can use both methanol and A heavy fuel oil, expected to reduce CO₂ emissions per transport unit by more than 20% compared to ships currently operated by heavy fuel oil and owned by Toyofuji Shipping, contributing to a reduced environmental impact. In the future, the use of green methanol(Note2) may lead to further reduction in CO₂ emissions, including throughout the lifecycle of the fuel. Methanol-fueled RORO ships have already been entered service as ocean-going vessels around the world. This is MHI's second order for construction of coastal RORO vessels for service in Japan, following an order for two methanol-fueled RORO vessels placed with Mitsubishi Shipbuilding in June 2024.

In addition, the significant increase in vehicle loading capacity and transport capacity per voyage compared to conventional vessels will provide greater leeway in the ship allocation schedule, securing more holiday and rest time for the crew, thereby contributing to working style reforms.

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, to address the growing needs from the modal shift in marine transport against the backdrop of CO₂ reductions in land transportation, labor shortages, and working style reforms, will continue to work with its business partners to provide solutions for a range of societal issues by building ferries and RORO vessels with excellent fuel efficiency and environmental performance that contribute to stable navigation for customers.

Source: https://www.mhi.com/news/25032104.html

Child devotee of Lord Murugan Walking barefoot

Palani Temple Barefoot Walking by devotees

MoS Shipping Shantanu Thakur Reviews Various Projects at JNPA, Interacts With Stakeholders

Mumbai, January 29, 2025: Shri Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Government of India, visited Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority - India’s Best Performing Port, on 29 January, 2025.  He was welcomed by Shri Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairman, JNPA & CMD, VPPL.

Shri Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairman, JNPA and CMD, VPPL, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the progress of Vadhvan Port. He highlighted that the project is advancing ahead of schedule, underscoring the port’s strategic importance in enhancing India’s maritime trade capabilities. The Minister also felicitated Shri Govind Bodke, IAS, District Collector, Palghar, and Shri Balasaheb Patil, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Palghar, for their instrumental contributions in facilitating environmental clearances, conducting public hearings, and laying the foundation stone for VPPL.

It was followed by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing between Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University and Vadhvan Port Project Limited. Under this collaboration, the university will design and conduct essential skill-based programs tailored to the operational requirements of Vadhvan Port. The initiative will focus on developing training modules and creating employment opportunities for skilled students, thereby generating a future-ready workforce for the maritime sector. An agreement was also signed between VPPL and M/s ITD Cementation India Ltd. for the construction of Near Shore Reclamation and Shore Protection for the Greenfield Vadhvan Port.

He addressed a stakeholders’ meeting, where he engaged with port users and trade representatives to understand their perspectives and discuss strategic initiatives to address the evolving needs of India’s maritime sector and facilitate smoother trade operations.

Speaking at the occasion, Shri Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, said, “Ports are the gateways to a nation's economic growth, and JNPA is an example of India's maritime potential. Here I witnessed how infrastructure development and operational advancements are driving progress. Interactions with stakeholders highlighted important insights on the trade's evolving needs and expectations. With strategic projects like Vadhvan Port on the horizon, we are paving the way for enhanced trade capacity and global competitiveness. The government remains dedicated to creating policies and infrastructure that empower the maritime industry, streamline logistics, and bolster India's standing as a major player in global trade.”

Additionally, during his visit, Shri Shantanu Thakur performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Construction of the Entrance Gate Building & Development of its Surrounding Area at the Landing jetty in JN Port. The building will include a recreational space for sunset views against the Mumbai skyline, an iconic landmark near the jetty, and increased seating with functional cafeterias. VVIP lounging areas, improved vehicular access, space for security personnel, and an information desk further enhance passenger comfort and site management.

He also visited GTI, one of the most efficient container terminals at JNPA, where he was briefed on terminal operations by the CEO of GTI. The Minister’s tour included key infrastructure and operational facilities at JNPA, such as the Centralised Parking Plaza (CPP), JNPA SEZ, and the Free Trade Warehousing Zone (FTWZ) at SEZ.

About JNPA:

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) is one of the premier container-handling ports in India. Since its inception on May 26, 1989, JNPA has transformed from a bulk cargo terminal into the premier container port in the country.

Currently, JNPA operates five container terminals - NSFT, NSICT, NSIGT, BMCT and APMT. The Port also has a Shallow Water Berth for general cargo. A Liquid Cargo Terminal present at the JNPA Port is managed by the BPCL-IOCL consortium. Additionally, the newly constructed coastal berth links other Indian ports and facilitates enhancing the traffic of coastal containers.

Nestled across 277 hectares of land, JNPA also operates a meticulously designed multi-product SEZ, with state-of-the-art infrastructure, to boost export-oriented industries in India.

JNPA is also developing an all-weather, deep-draft, greenfield port at Vadhvan, in Maharashtra. It is poised to be among the top 10 ports globally and will be 100% green port since its inception.

Ocean Network Express Welcomes The ONE Responsibility to West Africa

On 23 of January 2025, Ocean Network Express (ONE) celebrated a historic milestone with the arrival of their first magenta ONE vessel, ONE Responsibility, in West Africa. This call at Meridian Port Services (MPS), Tema, marks a significant development for both Ghana’s trade services as well as ONE’s growing connections in  West Africa and globally. 

The 2024-built, Hong Kong flagged ONE Responsibility, is fitted with wind deflecting bow shields to improve aerodynamics and reduce fuel consumption, Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) or “scrubbers” and several other energy saving technologies. The 7,000 TEU vessel made its way from Singapore, to Tema, where it will then join the fleet supporting ONE's growing suite of services connecting Europe and Africa, such as the SRX. where it will then join the fleet of Europe and Africa’s growing services such as the SRX. 

This is the first call of ONE’s magenta vessels in West Africa, and future vessels will be introduced onto the SW2 service. The SW2 is a weekly service connecting West Africa with China and the Far East. ONE also operates services including WA1, AIM, and ARS, connecting West Africa to Europe, the Middle East and Asia;  while providing our customers the best transit time from Durban to the Middle East for perishable fresh fruits. 

Director of ONE Ghana, Richard Smith, commented “The maiden call of the ONE Responsibility at MPS is a very significant event.  This is the very first ONE-operated Magenta container vessel to call at any West African port.  It signifies the commitment of ONE to Ghana and to all our customers in West Africa. It is no coincidence that we chose Tema for the first call, given ONE's long standing relationship with Ghana, the Ghana Ports & Harbours Authority and with MPS.”

He added, “ONE is currently going through a major upgrade of our services from Asia to West Africa, with increased capacity to carry our customers' cargo to and from this important market.  So, we will be seeing many more Magenta vessels arriving here, but this is the first  - a major milestone in the history of our company in Ghana.”

V.O.Chidambaranar Port Excels in Container Handling

 

V.O. Chidambaranar Port has showcased exemplary performance in containerized cargo operations, handling 5,81,557 TEUs in the current financial year up to December 2024, representing a growth of 7%, compared to the 5,43,531 TEUs handled during the same period in the previous year. Over the last decade, the Port's container handling has seen a steady rise, increasing from 5,07,735 TEUs in 2013–14 to 7,47,363 TEUs in 2023–24, reflecting its commitment to operational efficiency and capacity enhancement.

VOC Port has maintained its position as the top performer among major ports, with an exceptional Average Container Turnaround Time of 19.92 hours up to December 2024 in the ongoing financial year. The Port has also ranked first in both the financial years 2022–23 and 2023–24, reinforcing its leadership in container handling efficiency. In addition, the terminals offer 30 container moves / hour at par with global standards.

With a combined capacity of 1.6 Million TEUs per annum, the container terminals at V.O. Chidambaranar Port, Tuticorin International Container Terminal, Dakshin Bharat Gateway Terminals, and PSA SICAL Container Terminal cater to growing demand. The Port is also supported by 2 Inland Container Depots and 15 Container Freight Stations in the vicinity, ensuring smooth container flow to and from the Port.

The terminals of the Port operates eight sailings to Colombo every week. Additionally, it offers sailing to Mundra, Pipavav, Cochin, Jebal Ali, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, China and far east countries, strengthening its international trade connectivity.

The all-weather Port, located close to the international sea-route, operating 24x7, ensures seamless container handling with the support of congestion-free road & rail connectivity, seamless gate entry. The Port prioritizes time-sensitive cargo, ensuring prompt processing & delivery, and facilitates last-minute container connections before vessel sailing. With its ease of doing business initiatives, the IGST refunds are processed immediately on filing of IGST returns by the exporters.

With the thrust given by Government of India to become a 5 trillion economy, emerging global geo-political scenario and upcoming developments in the primary and secondary hinterland of Tuticorin like Green Hydrogen hub and other port based industries at VOC Port lands, Offshore Wind Energy hub along the coastal region of Tamilnadu, industries all along the proposed Chennai Kanyakumari Industrial corridor, Solar Power farms in Tuticorin, Tirunelveli and Ramanathapuram districts, Furniture park and Vietnam based EV car maker ‘Vinfast’, in SIPCOT Tuticorin, VOC Port is set to witness a massive growth in container traffic to a tune of  around 4 to 5 Million TEUs of containers in a span of 3 to 5 years from now.

To meet the exponential growth of container traffic the Port has proposed to develop and Outer Harbour, for which the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, has laid the foundation stone. The Outer Harbour shall feature with two terminals with quay length of 1 Km each, draft of 16.5 metres, with a capacity to handle 4 Million TEUs of container traffic. The tender has been floated and the Port has received encouraging support and interest from both the global and national players. The tender is expected to close on 11th February 2025. Once completed, the project will significantly enhance the port’s capacity, enabling it to handle ships with larger drafts and improve the port’s container handling efficiency. 

Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson of VOC Port Authority, stated that VOC Port holds immense potential to become a leading hub for gateway and transhipment container traffic in the East coast of India. With its strategic location, evolving infrastructure development and collective commitment, we are poised to seize new opportunities in global trade.

FIEO and Credlix Sign MoU to Empower Indian Exporters with Financial and Logistical Support

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has partnered with Credlix, a global leader in supply chain financing solutions, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the growth of Indian exporters and strengthen their global presence. This collaboration focuses on streamlining international trade by providing exporters with innovative financial solutions, logistical support, and other critical resources. By combining FIEO’s extensive network with Credlix’s expertise in financial services, the partnership aims to address key challenges faced by exporters. Initiatives include workshops, trainings, financing advisory and technological support to raise awareness — a solution that helps businesses scale their operations effectively. Mr Rahul Garg, Founder & CEO, Credlix, stated, “We are proud to collaborate with FIEO to empower Indian exporters on their path to growth and self-reliance. This partnership shows our shared commitment to overcoming key trade challenges. Through innovative financial and logistical support, we aim to simplify export operations and help businesses establish a strong presence in global markets.” The partnership includes technological and logistical solutions from Credlix, such as warehousing and supply chain management, to address exporters’ operational hurdles. FIEO will actively promote the initiative, encourage exporter participation, and guide businesses in navigating complex global markets. Dr Ajay Sahai, Director General & CEO, FIEO, remarked, “This collaboration with Credlix marks a significant milestone in advancing India’s vision of self-reliance and strengthening its export sector. By providing SMEs with financial and logistical resources, we aim to help them overcome barriers, enhance operational efficiency, and capitalize on opportunities in international trade.” Dr Sahai further highlighted the liquidity gap and lack of credit flow in the Indian economy, which has posed persistent challenges for exporters. “Export finance remains a critical issue for various segments, particularly for MSMEs, which are the backbone of India’s export ecosystem,” he noted. The MSME sector contributed 45.73% of India’s exports in 2023-24, yet it continues to struggle with limited access to export finance. With 35,000 members, primarily from the MSME segment, FIEO sees this MoU as a pivotal step in addressing these challenges and unlocking growth opportunities for exporters. This alliance is set to simplify export operations, enhance business capabilities, and accelerate the growth of Indian exporters, contributing to India’s economic progress and reinforcing its position in global trade. About Credlix Credlix is a global leader in supply chain financing, dedicated to providing innovative financial solutions to SMEs worldwide. Focused on delivering rapid, collateral-free access to working capital, Credlix helps businesses optimize cash flow and achieve their growth potential. About Moglix Moglix is one of Asia’s largest B2B commerce companies, empowering manufacturing and infrastructure businesses to transform their supply chains from procurement to distribution. As the first B2B commerce unicorn in manufacturing, Moglix supports over 1,000 large manufacturers and 3,000+ factories with a valuation of $2.6 billion. About FIEO The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) is an apex trade promotion body set up by Ministry of Commerce & Industries in 1965 with its members contributing around 70% of India’s exports. With 16 offices on PAN India basis, FIEO works to support and promote India’s export fraternity by providing valuable resources, market access, policy advocacy and networking opportunities for businesses.

Onne Multipurpose Terminal invests in new cranes, CFS

 

Jacob Gulmann (sixth from left), OMT CEO, and Abdulrahmon Hussain (eighth from left), Principal Manager representing the Managing Director (MD) of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, led the inauguration.

Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) operation in Nigeria, has purchased and put into operation two new mobile harbor cranes (MHC) and a container freight station (CFS). These investments underscore OMT’s commitment to improve terminal operations and at the same time support Nigeria’s trade and commerce.

The new cranes, valued at over USD25 million, are set to improve OMT’s container handling efficiency, reduce vessel turnaround times, and optimize overall cargo operations. The deployment enables the terminal to meet the growing demand for reliable port services that while aligning with the federal government’s blue economy vision.

Meanwhile, the new CFS at Terminal 2 enhances cargo processing and storage efficiency, facilitating the flow of goods and providing a critical resource for stakeholders in the region.

Jacob Gulmann, OMT Chief Executive Officer, stated: “These investments are aimed at further improving the terminal’s overall operations and represent the ICTSI Group’s commitment to boosting Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade. We thank our partners in the government and stakeholders in the industry for their cooperation in achieving these milestones.”

These recent developments mark a significant step forward for OMT, solidifying its role as a leading maritime hub in West Africa. Together with the ICTSI Group, OMT will continue to drive development across Nigeria’s maritime industry.

About Onne Multipurpose Terminal

Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) is the first terminal of call at the Onne Port Complex in Onne’s oil and gas free zone. Handling containerized, oil and gas, and other cargo types, OMT serves as an efficient gateway to Africa’s largest oil production region and Nigeria’s major hinterland markets.

About International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI)

Headquartered and established in 1988 in Manila, Philippines, International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) is in the business of port development, management and operations.  ICTSI’s portfolio of terminals and projects are located in developed and emerging market economies in the Asia Pacific, the Americas, and Europe, the Middle East and Africa.  Independent with no shipping or consignee-related interests, ICTSI works and transacts transparently with all stakeholders of the supply chain.  ICTSI continues to receive global acclaim for its public-private partnerships, which are focused on sustainable development, and supported by corporate social responsibility initiatives. (www.ictsi.com)