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)

ICTSI secures 25-year extension to operate Mindanao Container Terminal

Mindanao International Container Terminal Services Inc. (MICTSI), a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), has secured a 25-year extension to operate and manage the Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT).

 

The extension, awarded by the PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority, allows MICTSI to continue managing the MCT until 2058.

 

Located within the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, the MCT serves as a key gateway for trade in southern Philippines.

 

To enhance the terminal’s capacity and efficiency, MICTSI plans to invest more than US$100 million in infrastructure upgrades. The investment includes a 300-meter berth extension and the acquisition of new equipment to handle the expected growth in cargo volumes. These enhancements are projected to significantly boost the terminal’s annual capacity from its present 350,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). 

 

The new berth will enable the shipping industry to deploy larger ships on new service routes to support growth and demand from Mindanao's importers and exporters. Additionally, the expansion project will further promote PHIVIDEC’s agenda to grow its locator base.

 

“ICTSI is proud to continue our work at Mindanao Container Terminal, a critical hub for trade in southern Philippines,” said Aurelio C. Garcia, MICTSI president and general manager. “This extension allows us to implement our vision for the terminal’s future, with significant investments in new technology and infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of our customers and the region.”

 

PHIVIDEC administrator and CEO Atty. Joseph Donato J. Bernedo said, “Today’s signing ceremony reflects our commitment to growth and sustainability of PHIVIDEC-IA under this administration, and we will continue to grow with our other projects and initiatives that are lined up to benefit not only Northern Mindanao but also the entire country. I would like to thank Mr Aurelio C. Garcia, president and general manager of MICTSI, PHIVIDEC-IA’s chairman Engr. Augustus N. Adis and the members of our Board for their support in making our dream of expanding our MCT Port into a reality.”

 

The extension highlights the strong partnership between ICTSI and PHIVIDEC-IA in developing critical infrastructure to facilitate trade and drive economic growth in Mindanao.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Appoints Eisaku Ito as Next President

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) on 18 December announced executive-level personnel changes effective March 31 and April 1, 2025, and made nominations for Members of the Board to be proposed at the 100th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders scheduled on June 27, 2025.

MHI also announced the appointment of current Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Eisaku Ito, as President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective April 1, 2025. He succeeds Seiji Izumisawa, who will take on the role of Chairman of the Board after six years as MHI's top executive. These appointments were approved at a meeting of MHI's Board of Directors held in Tokyo today.

Mr. Ito will assume the role of President & CEO after serving as Executive Vice President, CTO, and Head of the Technology Strategy Office since April 2020, his latest position in a career that spans over 30 years at MHI. In a previous role, Mr. Ito promoted the development of a wide range of our company's technologies and businesses, the improvement of business processes, and the marketing of new products and services. He also played an important role in responding to the rapid evolution of digitalization and AI technologies by establishing the Digital Innovation Headquarters. Going forward under Mr. Ito's leadership, we will work to achieve further growth as one of Japan's leading manufacturing and technology companies.

During his tenure as President & CEO, Mr. Izumisawa led the restructuring of the thermal power business, the discontinuation of SpaceJet development, and the divestment of the machine tools business. In FY2023, the final year of the 2021 Medium-Term Business Plan, order intake, revenue, and profit reached record highs, making a significant contribution to improving the company's margins. In addition, Mr. Izumisawa has been working to enhance our future growth areas, including the businesses related to the Energy Transition.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Izumisawa said, "MHI Group is now working to strengthen our portfolio of businesses by leveraging the business and financial foundations we have built over many years, while contributing to societal challenges such as the realization of Carbon Neutrality and addressing national security concerns. We must steadily develop our growing core businesses-Gas Turbine Combined Cycle (GTCC), Nuclear Power, and Defense-while striving to commercialize our future growth areas. For this reason, MHI now requires a leader with knowledge of a wide range of businesses and technologies, fairness, a sense of responsibility to resolve a variety issues, and a determination to take on the challenges of the future. Mr. Ito has deep insight into MHI's core businesses, including gas turbines, and a wide range of technical expertise. Moreover, he has succeeded in resolving many product development issues in the past, and I am confident that his tenacity and leadership will enable MHI to achieve further growth."

Mr. Ito commented, "The reforms enacted by Mr. Izumizawa have further advanced MHI Group's position as a global company. Following the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic, both revenue and profit are now at record highs. As we continue to receive strong orders, we will work to build a robust business structure and value chain to reliably deliver products and solutions to our customers. We will also focus on developing diverse talent and technological infrastructure while promoting digitalization and automation. I am honored to be able to take on the challenge of leading MHI and of joining our Group employees in efforts to optimize the portfolio of businesses, execute our growth strategy, and fulfill our commitments to solve long-term societal challenges-including through MISSION NET ZERO (2040 Carbon Neutrality Declaration)-all with the goal of achieving further growth."

Contecon Guayaquil Receives Pacific International Lines’ Largest Vessel

Contecon Guayaquil S.A. (CGSA), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) Ecuadorian business unit, received the inaugural call of Kota Eagle, the largest and most modern container ship of Pacific International Lines (PIL). This marks a significant development for Ecuador’s foreign trade and confirms Guayaquil as a strategic port on global shipping routes.

 

The Kota Eagle features low environmental impact technology, operating entirely on liquefied natural gas (LNG) – one of the cleanest fuels on the planet. The technology highlights PIL’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Measuring 335 meters long with a capacity of 14,000 TEUs, the vessel is a prime example of innovation in sustainable shipping.

 

“We are proud to welcome the Kota Eagle to our terminal. This event reflects the confidence of important shipping companies such as PIL in our operational capacity, consolidating Guayaquil as an essential port for the growth of their business in the country,” said Javier Lancha, CGSA chief executive officer.

 

“We ratify our commitment to innovation and sustainability, ensuring that our operation consistently meets the highest quality standards and contributes to the development of Ecuador’s foreign trade,” he added.

 

Contecon Guayaquil continues to move towards more responsible logistics, reinforcing its commitment to being a strategic partner for Ecuador’s economic development and for the promotion of foreign trade. Offering robust logistics solutions to boost the success of its partners and customers, Contecon Guayaquil remains firmly committed to enhancing Ecuador’s connection to the world.

 

About Contecon Guayaquil S.A. de C.V.
In March 2007, ICTSI was awarded by the port authority of Guayaquil, Autoridad Portuario de Guayaquil (APG), a 20-year operating concession for the Container and Multipurpose Terminals in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Later in May, a contract was formally signed between APG and Contecon Guayaquil SA, ICTSI’s local operating unit. The terminal handles containerized, general and bulk cargo. (www.cgsa.com.ec)

 

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)