Shipping / Transport
Wage negotiations with port workers to complete in a fortnight
The MoU facilitates the revision of the wage structure and addresses other service conditions, including pensionary benefits. It was agreed that the fitment benefit of 8.5% on the aggregate amount of basic pay as of December 31, 2021, plus 30% Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) as of January 1, 2022, shall be granted.
Shipping ministry approves wage structure revision for workers of major ports
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has approved a new wage structure for workers at major ports, stopping an indefinite strike. The agreement includes an 8.5% fitment benefit and additional allowances. The periodicity of the settlement is from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2026, with a review set for 2027.
CJ Darcl transports 34 excavators to Haryana by using specialised rail rakes
CJ Darcl Logistics Ltd. has transported 34 excavators from Chennai to Haryana using specialized rail rakes. The company claims to be the first in its sector to use rail for such a heavy equipment transport. This initiative underscores their commitment to innovation and eco-friendly logistics practices.
Port, dock workers' unions defer indefinite strike proposed from Wednesday
At a national coordination committee meeting in Tuticorn (Tamil Nadu) on August 8, major port workers' unions affiliated to five federations decided to go on an indefinite strike from August 28 to press for immediate wage revision and other benefits, pending for nearly 32 months.
REC to provide Rs 45,000 cr finance to JNPA
REC Ltd agreed to finance up to Rs 45,000 crore for various Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) projects, which include the Vadhavan Port development. The memorandum of understanding was signed by REC Executive Director Rahul Dwivedi and JNPA Chairman Unmesh Sharad Wagh, with Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal present to witness the agreement outlining this partnership.
Centre moots NBFC under Sagarmala to tide over shipping woes
The shipping ministry planned to launch a non-banking finance company under the Sagarmala initiative to address the financing needs of the shipping and shipyard sectors. Awaiting finance ministry approval, this NBFC aimed to provide competitive financing options to these sectors, which faced challenges in obtaining bank loans and lacked infrastructure status.
PFC pledges ₹21,000-crore for Vadhavan Port project
The project is to be developed by the Vadhavan Port Project Ltd, a special purpose vehicle formed by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and the Maharashtra Maritime Board. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Maharashtra on August 30 for its foundation stone laying ceremony.
JNPA to scale up its container handling capacity to 10 million twenty TEU by April next year
Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPA) is set to expand its container handling capacity to 10 million TEUs by April next year, announced Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. The port will also develop new liquid cargo berths under a Public-Private Partnership model, increasing its capacity to 11 MMTPA. Recent developments include the signing of MoUs, increased revenue from e-auctions, and the issuance of Letters of Intent to SEZ concessionaires. Additionally, a WhatsApp chatbot for local workforce development was launched, reflecting the port's commitment to improved infrastructure and eco-friendly operations.
Adani Krishnapatnam Port launches advanced cargo handling system
Adani Krishnapatnam Port introduced a new cargo handling system to boost its capacity and productivity. The system, designed to enhance efficiency in managing containerised and bulk cargo, included features like automated tracking and real-time data analysis. It promised better logistics coordination, increased safety, and faster turnaround times for operations.
Global trade needs a China alternative; India needs better ports
India is upgrading ports to bolster its manufacturing and exports. Efforts include expanding the Jawaharlal Nehru Port and constructing a new deep-water port in Vadhvan. These enhancements aim to cut trade costs and speed up delivery times, appealing to global companies looking to diversify manufacturing away from China.
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Shipping ministry offers to build Port in Andhra Pradesh alongside planned refinery
India's shipping ministry suggested constructing a seaport next to Bharat Petroleum Corp's planned refinery in Andhra Pradesh to cut costs. The refinery could act as a key customer for the port. Andhra Pradesh proposed offering land at Machilipatnam, Ramayapatnam, or Mulapeta for the complex.
Subsidies for goods movement via inland waterways in works
The government is readying a scheme to incentivise parcel movement on the Ganga, Brahmaputra and Barak rivers in the first phase. A discount of up to 35% on the invoice value for transporting goods is expected to be offered by a subsidiary of state-run Shipping Corporation of India, with the government reimbursing the company for the loss of revenue, officials said.
India-Australia to strengthen maritime ecology pillar of the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative
The 6th India-Australia Maritime Security Dialogue in Canberra focused on maintaining a safe maritime environment and collaboration in the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative. Delegations led by Muanpuii Saiawi and Sarah Storey discussed topics like maritime security, HADR coordination, and sustainable marine resource use. They also explored enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas such as Search and Rescue, blue economy, and Port State control, aiming for inclusive growth and global well-being.
Is India losing focus on International Shipping Industry?
India's seafaring industry has grown significantly, with the country now the fifth largest supplier of seafarers worldwide. Despite the growth, challenges such as visa requirements and fraudulent agents remain. Enhanced training and government support are key for India to become the top seafaring nation.
For a larger slice of global pie, India seeks anchor role to turn local shipbuilding tide
The government intended to propose a new shipbuilding policy to the cabinet, featuring a recycling credit note scheme and fixed subsidies over 10 years. The policy aimed to enhance the Indian shipbuilding sector by linking recycling benefits with domestic ship construction. The plan included creating maritime clusters in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Odisha.
Government introduces Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, Bills of Lading Bill in Lok Sabha
The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024, and the Bills of Lading Bill, 2024, were introduced in the Lok Sabha to modernize maritime cargo laws and bills of lading handling. The bills aim to align Indian regulations with international standards and ensure uniformity. Key changes include updated legal frameworks and transferring rights and liabilities to consignees.
