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Let's turn the tides
Volume:I Issue:IV November 2018
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Centurion Port In Choppy Waters MARINE LINES • 2018 NOVEMBER
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CONTACT US Registered Office Amrut Dredging & Shipping ltd Gandhi house, Kotecha chowk Rajkot-360005, Gujarat, India. Ph: 0281-6508152 Email: info@amrutdredging.com
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MARINELINES Editor-In-Chief Girish Joshi Managing Editor Jaimini Rao National News Cordinator Abhijit Mukhopadhyay Design & Layout Pravin Kacha Manager (Marketing) Babu Patel Head Office Marine Lines 3. 2nd Floor, Plot No. 283 Madhuban Tower, 12/B Gandhidham, Kutch, 370201, Gujarat, India email: marinelines2018@gmail.com +91 99095 55416 Mumbai Office 14, Ground Floor, Himalaya House, 79 Palton Road Fort, Mumbai 400001 Contact : +91 98200 03562
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Published by Girish Joshi and printed by Print Vision Pvt. Ltd. on behalf of Girish Joshi. Printed at Print Vision House, Lane Opp to Ashwamegh Elegance 2, Ambawadi Market, Ahmedabad 380 006, Gujarat. Published from # 3. 2nd Floor, Plot No. 283 Madhuban Tower, 12/B Gandhidham, Kutch - 370201, Gujarat, India. Editor: Girish Joshi.
From the Editor's Deck Dear Readers,
G
ujarat, with its 1,600 km coastline, has a glorious maritime history. The state has scripted a successful privatisation story in ports and was the first to come out with a policy to encourage private investors in building ports. But the maritime infrastructure has never looked so fragile. A handful of animal activists have ensured that the 100-year-old Tuna port and traditional business of livestock export shuts down. Livestock exports have been rising over the years. They bring in valuable foreign exchange which had reached Rs 527 crore in 2016-17. Are we inadvertently entering into a scenario of difficult balancing between ease of doing business and unwarranted religious & cultural sentiments? Today, we should thank those activists who fought the battle to win in prevailing upon the government to preserve the heritage look of Marine Drive and Fort area of Mumbai to look like Bombay. When on one side we are spending crores to preserve archeological status of Lothal, on other side we are all out to demolish the few remaining footprints of our visionary ancestors.
Girish Joshi Editor-In-Chief
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Inside 06
Cover Story:
LYNCHING TUNA & LIVESTOCK BUSINESS
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Creating Capacity: GCPTCL to embark on Rs 1,200 crore expansion at Dahej
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Success Story:
V-Trans Group, a giant in Indian road transport business
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Past is Perfect:
Maritime transport flourished along Gujarat coast centuries ago
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Travelogue:
Bordi, a coastal village far from the madding crowd
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Q & A:
Debasis Bir, CEO, Reliance Naval and Engineering Limited
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Health:
Easy Ways To Remain In Pink Of Health
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MARINE LINES • 2018 NOVEMBER
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Cover Story
LYNCHING TUNA & LIVES By Marine Lines Team
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ow easy it is to shut down a 90-year-old port and one traditional business? If you think it’s one onerous task, you are mistaken. There’s no need to prepare hefty reports on the implications of closure from consultants. All that is needed is a two-page letter and cordial contacts with those in power. What else explains the deadly blow dealt to Tuna, the only designated port for livestock exports on western India for the last 50 years.? One letter from a handful of Jeevdaya (compassion towards animals) activists to chief minister Vijay Rupani in August resulted in a government order to the Kutch collector to stop livestock exports from Tuna. The activists suddenly found that the animals being exported are tortured and 6
before being loaded in ships. the animals to Dubai for Eid. Suddenly The closure came just when the ex- everything came to a standstill. Ships porters of sheep and goats, who have waiting for the livestock only kept waiting at Tuna forever. In fact, the shipping ministry banned livestock export from all the ports. The issue reached the Gujarat high court, which allowed livestock ban, subject to the exporters complying with all rules and regulations. On October 31, the exporters got a go-ahead, but exports are yet to begin. Reason: Every animal that has to be exported needs a fitness certificate from the government veterinary doctor – there is just one doctor in Gandhidham who would check each and every animal now even if the numbers are five figures. This is unprecedented as such thorough checks of each animal have never happened in the last 45 years. been carrying on this trade smoothly for In fact, the exporters in their petition four decades, were preparing to send in the high court alleged: “It’s a clear
Banning export of livestock from Tuna not only sounds a death knell for this port but also threatens the livelihood of lakhs of people associated with the trade
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Timeline
STOCK BUSINESS connivance, collusion and conspiracy dering that livestock should not be given of the (respondent) authority the state permission. On not receiving a favourgovernment and s- called animal rights able assurance, they finally somehow activists to harass farmers and agricul- managed to pressurize the port authorturists.” ities who in turn instructed the stoppage Mohsin Noor, secretary of Livestock of export without assigning any reasons. Exporters Association, told ML: “Any In this precarious situation the traders violation or cruelty to animals at the had no option but to approach the High Tuna is required to be checked by the court of Gujarat. Looking to the urgency customs superintendent. the court stayed the orders of restrictions. As per law, we are required to submit Fearing contempt of court, the rethe fitness certificate of animal issued stricting authorities suddenly retracted by any veterinary officer but we get the from their previous orders and finally the certificate only from the doctor of ani- export of live stock was given a go ahead mal husbandry department of state gov- on October 31. ernment.” All is well that ends well says Abdulla In this hotchpotch they approached of tuna port but adds that not before they the customs department, the officer in have incurred loss of almost 30 million charge technically had no reasons to rupees as the orders were fetching them stop the consignment. good rates due to id festival. The charterThe group of four said to be an NGO ing of 10 ships, holding of live stock for hence approached the joint commission- more that one month has cost them more er at Kandla and had the gumption of or- than the profit they expected
August 3: DG Shipping granted permission for transport of livestock through countrycrafts. August 6: Kutch collector passed an order directing DPT to see that there is no movement of livestock from the port until further orders from Tuna Port. August 6: Kutch collector formed a committee to inspect and submit a report about the violation under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act-1960 August 6: Animal rights activist organized protest at Tuna port demanding ban on export of livestock August 7: District magistrate met members of Livestock Exporters Association where they were verbally told that government is planning to completely ban on livestock export from Tuna due to fears of protest by animal activists. August 8: DG Shipping withdrew the permission granted on August 3 without giving any reason. August 9: The association moved Gujarat high court challenging Kutch collector’s order and withdrawal of permission of DG Shipping September 18: High court issued an interim order staying Kutch collector’s order of banning export and allowed livestock export subject to all the rules and regulations being followed. September 27: Exporters filed three shipping bills for the export of livestock to UAE October 15: The association represented to the DPT authority for not granting permission for export and requested the reason for the same. October 31: DPT allows export of livestock subject to compliance to rules
Livestock exported from Tuna port Year Crafts sailed Animals 2015-16 385 6,69,083 2016-17 375 7,18,528 2017-18 349 7,22,472
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GLORIOUS PAST Tuna’s strategic importance for import-export trade could be gauged from the fact that the then ruler of Kutch Khengarji Bawa had even facilitated first railway line of this region by requesting the British in 1900-01. Due to its strategic location, Tuna was an ideal port for import and export before Independence. Tuna was the first satellite port for major ports in the country In fact, Tuna got restricted to a facility for livestock export after emergency of Kandla, which is the biggest among the 12 government-owned ports in terms of cargo handling Tuna had fortified area with customs house, free accommodation facilities for traders and meter gauge railway line from Tuna port to Bhuj.(present day capital of kutch district). Once hailed as the Singapore of west coast, Tuna also facilitated the seagoing vessels from South India to Gulf, Africa, Iraq and further on with nearly 100 sailing vessels registered here. The existence of this port today is much attributed to the livestock exporters from Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. 8
About livestock export business Livestsock export is a seasonal business of nine months from September to May with nearly 35,000 male sheep exported in 25 dhows (countrycrafts) per month. The annual foreign exchange earned is to the tune of 90 million rupees. Though an unorganized sector, this business renders direct and indirect employment to almost five lakh families three states. Those involved in sheep breeding business belong to pastoral community known as Rabaris who have been into this business since ancient times. Livestock export does not happen overnight. After procuring
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the order from the abroad, the local exporters travel to various places for selection of livestock. He then acquires fitness certificate from the local area veterinary government doctor. Then, he looks for transport vehicles with special legal permit which has premium cost added to it. The livestock from various places is then brought to Tuna village and kept in comfortable places with sufficient fodder and water facilities before export. The dhows are hired from different ports and once all the legal custom formalities are adhered too, the livestock is despatched to the foreign destinations.
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MARINE LINES • 2018 NOVEMBER
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expert speak
KEY TO GST RETURNS IN SEA TRADE
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orrect and accurate GST HSN is the key to correct filing of GST returns and other statutory documents. The Scheme of Classification of Services (SCS) adopted for the purposes of GST is a modified version of the United Nations Central Product Classification. The explanatory notes for the SCS is based on the explanatory notes to the UNCPC, and as recommended by the committee constituted for the purpose, is annexed. The explanatory notes indicate the scope and coverage of the heading, groups and service codes of the SCS. These may be used by the assessee and the tax administration as a guiding tool for classification of services. The relevant service classification codes with respect to services at sea ports including waterway transport are as under: 996415:Local water transport services of passengers This service code includes: i Passenger transportation services on rivers, on canals and on other inland waters by ferries, including hydrofoils and hovercraft, whether on a scheduled or non-scheduled basis ii. Inland water cruises that include transportation, accommodation, food services and other incidental services in an all-inclusive fare iii. Passenger transportation services on rivers, canals and other inland waters on a scheduled or non- scheduled basis by vessels other than ferries, cruise ships, sightseeing and excursion boats iv. Transportation services of accompanying vehicles, luggage, animals and other items v. Water taxis 996424: Coastal and transoceanic (overseas) water transport services of passengers by Ferries, Cruise Ships etc. 10
Monish Bhalla, Author & GST Expert
This service code includes i. Coastal and transoceanic passenger transportation by ferries, including hydrofoils and hovercraft, on a scheduled or non-scheduled basis ii. Transport of accompanying luggage, animals and other items that may be carried iii. Services provided by sea cruises that include transportation, accommodation, food services, recreational and other entertainment services in an all-inclusive fare; coastal and transoceanic water transportation of passengers on scheduled or non-scheduled basis, by other water transport vehicles, regardless of the class of service iv. transportation of passengers from port to port, including on freight ships 996521 : Coastal and transoceanic (overseas) water transport services of goods by refrigerator vessels, tankers, bulk cargo vessels, container ships etc i. Coastal and transoceanic water transportation of frozen or refrigerated goods in specially refrigerated compartments ii. Coastal and transoceanic water transportation of crude oil in special tankers iii. Coastal and transoceanic water transportation of other bulk liquids or gases such as natural gas, methane and refined petroleum products in special tankers iv. Coastal and transoceanic water transportation of crude oil in special tankers v. Coastal and transoceanic water transportation of other bulk liquids or gases such as natural gas, methane and refined petroleum products in special tankers vi. Coastal and transoceanic water transportation of individual articles and packages assembled and shipped in specially constructed shipping containers designed for ease of handling in transport vii. Coastal and transoceanic water transportation of letters and parcels on behalf
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of postal and courier services; coastal and transoceanic water transportation of dry bulk goods such as cereals, flours, cement, sand, coal, etc. viii. towing and pushing services on the high seas and on coastal waters ix. towing services for oil rigs, floating cranes, dredging vessels and buoys, as well as ships’ hulls and incomplete vessels, on coastal waters or the open sea x. coastal and transoceanic water transportation of freight not elsewhere classified. 996522 :Inland water transport services of goods by refrigerator vessels, tankers and other vessels i. Inland water transportation of frozen or refrigerated goods in specially refrigerated compartments ii. Inland water transportation of crude oil in special tankers iii. inland water transportation of other bulk liquids or gases such as natural gas, methane and refined petroleum products in special tankers iv. Inland water transportation of individual articles and packages assembled and shipped in specially constructed containers designed for ease of handling in transport v. Barge towing services on inland waterways and on canals, when provided by tugboats vi. Towing services of oil rigs, floating cranes, dredging vessels and buoys, as well as ships’ hulls and incomplete vessels, on inland waters vii. Inland water transportation of goods not elsewhere classified. However, it may be noted that where a service is capable of differential treatment for any purpose based on its description, the most specific description shall be preferred over a more general description Monish Bhalla can be reached on taxolegal@gmail.com
CREATING CAPACITY
GCPTCL to embark on Rs 1,200 crore expansion at Dahej
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ujarat Chemical Port Terminal Company Limited (GCPTCL), the chemical port at Dahej is planning to embark on a major expansion. GCPTC has an offshore jetty with single berth facility to handle various chemicals and an onshore storage tanks terminal. The terminal handles and stores liquid and gaseous chemicals including petroleum, petrochemicals, and cryogenic products. According to an official document accessed by ML, the occupancy of the existing jetty is likely to reach 75%-80 %, i.e. the maximum utilization of present berth. In order to handle increasing cargo volumes, it is necessary to expand this single berth jetty by establishing second berth 500 m North of the existing one. The expansion of product storage capacity will also be done by constructing additional storage tanks in parallel. Expansion Plans: i. Expand the existing jetty capacity from 4.979 MMTPA to 12 MMTPA by setting up second berth. ii. Development of 39 hectares diverted forest plot to construct additional storage tanks for permitted products
iii. Capital and annual maintenance This requires a draft of about (–) 17 m dredging of about 1.5 Mm3 and 1 Mm3 CD at berth head through capital dredgper annum respectively. ing of about 1.5 million m3. The total aniv. Raise the ground level of 39 nual maintenance dredging for the port hectares diverted plot using the dredge is estimated to be about 1 million m3 to material and dispose dredged material. ensure the safe berthing operations. v. Increasing the storage capaciProduct pipelines from second berth ties of the terminal from 8.5 lakh KL to will be laid on the proposed connecting 17.5 lakh KL by constructing additional trestle and the existing trestle up to the tanks with associated facilities. manifold area. Contiguous to the existing terminal boundary there is a 39 hectare forest Present approved cargo land for which stage 1 forest clearance handling capacity has been obtained, is proposed for building the additional storage tanks for cargo type permissible within CRZ. However, some of the tanks are proposed to be Storage handling capacity constructed within the existing terminal area. GCPTCL company is promoted by Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB), Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizer Co. Ltd. Sources said the proposed berth plat- (GNFC), Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals form will be about 42 m long and 35 m Ltd. (GACL), Gujarat State Fertilizers & wide. It will be connected to existing Chemicals Ltd. (GSFC,) Gujarat Industrestle through connecting trestle which trial Investment Corporation Ltd. (GIIC), will be around 700 m long and 15m wide. Gujarat Industrial Development CorpoThis will enable handling of vessel up to ration (GIDC) and erstwhile Indian PetLoA 290 m, (-) 14.5 m draft and capacity rochemical Corporation Ltd. (IPCL) now Reliance Industries Limited (RIL). 1,20,000 DWT at the berth.
4.979 MMTPA 8.5 lakh KL
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Success story: v-tRANS gROUP
V-Trans Family
Standing (L to R) Ronak Shah, Aditya Shah, Vishal Shah and Viral Shah Sitting (L to R) Director Rajesh Shah , Managing Director Mahendra Shah , Chairman Ashok Shah and Director Hasmukh Shah
THE SHAHS OF INDIAN ROAD TRANSPORT BUSINESS
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uccess of V -Trans is a shining example of the famed entrepreneurial spirit of Gujaratis. Starting with one second-hand truck, V-Trans has turned into one of India's most sought-after transportation companies today. Marine Lines traces its 60 yeras journey from humble beginning till today
with its customers in Gujarat & Maharashtra. EARLY DAYS
The business which was started by Mr. K. K. Shah was then successfully taken forward by Shri Ashok K.Shah from whom Mr. Mahendra K Shah took over the charge along with his brothers. As a bright student from Rajkumar College (school) and Sydenham College, Mr. Mahendra Shah had exposure to the best of education, wanted to pursue law, become a Beginning of the road year 1958.The company catered to demands CA and move ahead in life but then decided he Shah family entered into the diffi- of customers in the Mumbai- Gujarat route to join the family business and use his educacult road transportation business way initially. The early days of the company was tional knowledge and management skills to in the year 1951 by late Shri. Kunverji. thwarted with challenges in the absence of grow the business. He wanted to prove himK.Shah. He began his operations with per- concrete roads and infrastructure. In the ini- self and take the business on par with mulsonal delivery on his Chevrolet truck and in tial days cargo transportation was not an easy tinationals by systematizing the organization the year 1952 he launched his own company task and path expanded from earlier Mumbai- and thereby bringing respect to the entire with two of his brothers. Saurashtra – Kutch route to across in Gujarat. sector which it deserved. When he joined the Starting of Vijay Transport New Avatar of V-Trans company in 1975, it had 10 offices. He funded the set up Vijay Transport It was only in 2002 that the company was One of the tough and tedious tasks for MaCompany with his own savings and small rebranded to its new identity- V-Trans India hendrabhai was to consolidate the structure of borrowings of Rs. 5000 from relatives in the Ltd. V-Trans still enjoys a family bonding the company which was earlier scattered into
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Success Mantras Be passionate : Love your work do not compromise on quality and aim for success. Be reliable unconditionally: respond to changes and never break the trust. Be a visionary: Always think innovatively, think differently, and think about the future. Be human : show respect for the dignity of each individual Be ethical: Know the difference between right and wrong, and honor your social and behavioural morals. eight different legal entities with different accounting software and reporting formats. It was under the leadership of Mahendrahbai that the company witnessed uniformity in all units while maintaining their individual P&L. Mahendrabhai was also responsible for the administrative structure and division of Corporate, Regional, Area and Branch offices, with all using the same software, standardise stationary and reporting formats. His passion and hard work to prove himself helped him to take the family business to best in trade. It was his dedication that enabled systematizing of the organisation and thereby bring leading to the growth of the company. NEW APPROACH
In 2002, Mahendrabhai made an important decision of getting a new name with fresh identity for the company which was in sync with the modern times and communicated the future ready positioning of the company. He convinced the board committee for this fresh transformation and thus came into existence V-Trans India Ltd- a name that would redefine the business standards and excellence level in transport industry. He also envisaged the need for diversification from a pure play surface transport solution provider to being a single window logistic solutions provider and introduced 2 new verticals i.e. V-Xpress for express movement of cargo and V-Logis for catering the warehousing needs. Later in 2014, the logos were further modernized, and positioning of
cutting-edge technology; wide range of innovative vertical specific products and value-added services to deliver unmatched standards of service quality to its customers. V-Trans has presence across the nation having more than 650 branches, fleet strength of over 1100(owned and attached) advanced trucks with GPS tracking facility and V-Lomost preferred V-Trans company is now the most pre- gis caters to supply chain distribution and ferred single-window cargo management warehousing. V-Xpress division handles multimodal and logistics solutions provider. The company offerings include dynamic, end-to-end, express cargo and has a nationwide pres3PL integrated services with single window ence with more than 75 routes that are linked through well-equipped 10 super hubs and 10 mini hubs operating around the clock and servicing more than 10000+ Pin codes locations. V Logis serves the supply chain distribution & warehousing needs of clients and currently has more than 5 lakh sqft space spread across 22 cities. It is going to come up with a super special Chemical warehouse of more than 1 lakh sqft near Bhiwandi in Mumbai, which will be one of its kinds to store the specific categories of Hazardous chemicals. The company evolved from being a point to point transport service provider to an integrated logistics service provider in domestic solutions, transportation, cargo express market. It has also plans made inroads into movement, warehousing and various value international markets of Bangladesh, Nepal added services; all under one roof. V-Trans & Bhutan. Today, V-Trans offer full truck India Ltd was one of the early companies to load services, part load truck services, express services, multi modal transport services, receive the ISO 9001:2015 certification. The team at V-Trans drives market e-commerce delivery services, warehousing leadership through its motivated people; and allied value-added services. V-Trans
the group modified to suit its growing business prowess. All three divisions i.e V-Trans, V Logis and V Xpress were given a new look and feel. Brand attributes were adopted as per the business need and a big branding exercise was done to create awareness amongst relevant stakeholders for this.
To up-skill manpower Mr Shah also launched initiatives such as Nexstep and Utkarshta, where employees are groomed for next big role
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A customer wants his goods on time, in intact condition, at reasonable cost and quick resolution in case any issue Mahendra Shah (MD) have become de-facto choice for SME clients and a preferred partner for large Indian and multinational clients.
Mr. Shah worked extensively on technological upgrade way back in late 80’s and brought in the elements of digitization and computerization and ensured 100%
have in-house ERP “eCargo” well before people in the industry could understand the need of an in-house ERP. It created a benchmark and still is one best in the CUSTOMER-CENTRIC industry powered by e-cargo reports, all APPROACH branches get the advance information of V-Trans services is a big differentiator in material to arrive for delivery, which enthe industry and is focused a lot on quality Future Promise ables them to plan delivery and improve services, training the ground team & back service levels, even the MIS that clients end support staff, training the senior level Trans has always reinvented itself gets through the ERP helps them in analteam towards impeccable customer service is with times and continues to stand yse and bring savings. common practise at the company. tall amongst fierce competition of mulV-Trans understands the importance of It was Mr. Shah’s vision to create a detinationals in the field. With the 3rd genmoving with time and is adopting newer pendable logistics service provider which eration now fully involved in business technologies every day, be it the use of encourages customers to form a long-term with guidance and mentorship from the BI tools, data analytics or artificial intelliassociation with the firm. He created spesenior generation, V Trans is all set to gence, They are making best possible use cific process to reach towards this goal and carve out new heights. Consolidation of it to give better services to their clients. coined the term “CPI” i.e. Correct Process of 3 verticals to provide single window Operation is the backbone of logistics Implementation. He implemented timely solutions, new energy in the team with Industry and V-Trans is known for its opguidance, monitoring and audits to keep the 60 years completion, ambitious project erational excellence in services, testimoteam aligned with the aim of driving excelof upcoming chemical warehouse, exny of this is that V-Trans has maximum lence.For up-skilling the existing manpower pansion plans outside India and many share of its business which is repeat and he also launched initiatives such as Nexstep more growth plans are strong indication comes through word of mouth. Amongst and Utkarshta, where employees are trained of company’s going into next league. various initiatives in operations area;operand groomed for next big role. “Resurgent” All effort of V Trans are directed toation command centre at corporate office which is their annual meet for all employees wards the vision 2020 statement which is special, which is set up to monitor all is one of the unique events in the industry, says – “To be the most preferred Single vehicles and transhipment centre and take and again is brainchild of Mr Shah where all window cargo management & logistic required steps instantly. Constantly addcolleagues meet and brainstorm for future solutions provider in India, by the year ing new routes and increasing the infraplans. 2020.” structure to support the growing demand With the goal to provide the best poshas resulted in 14 major and 14 smaller sible service to the customers, Mr. Shah transhipment centres and effective reach thoroughly worked on service excellence pan India. Overall efforts have improved and made V-Trans an exemplary service the route performance and reduced cases provider in the logistics sector. It was the of damage and pilferage. idea of Mr. Shah that every consignment The express division at V-Trans today on the road should be insured so that unwork on zero pilferage. The company is foreseen events do not create losses. The also enabled with Shop floor automation Marine Transit Insurance policy which which allows it to bring more efficiency was amongst the industry’s first at that that the express business demands. In part time was started under Mr. Shah’s guidload segment it is highly difficult to get ance. barcoding up to package level. They have embracing TECHNOLOGY started a step toward the goal by starting V-Trans Ltd is backed by advance tech100% package snickering. In their system nology and runs on process driven operaall data and physical shipment flow hand tions. The greatest asset of the company is the unmatched goodwill that it has earned of the company branches are computer- in hand and thus clients are empowered over the years for its ethics and values. ized today. V-Trans is also privileged to with data and insights.
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Q & A: Debasis bir, ceo, RNEL
Pipavav Shipyard keen to ride Baltic dry index, oil price boom
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altic Dry Index has been trading in a range of 900 to 1700 in last one year and oil prices have begun its journey from US$40 per barrel towards US$100 per barrel. Reliance Naval and Engineering Ltd is keen and optimistic on riding the boom foreseen in shipping trade and oil prices, as the facility which has Rs 4,000 crore book on hands and Rs 9,000 crore debt with creditors frequently knocking the doors of National Company Law Tribunal to recover the dues. In an exclusive interview MARINE LINES Debasis Bir, CEO, RNEL and a naval architect from IIT-Kharagpur said, the company is looking for a 360 degree turnaround of the facility with more orders... Q. How do you see Baltic Dry Index improvement as one of the green-shoots for Reliance Naval? A. With Baltic Dry Index improving obviously there will be some price correction in commercial ship building and trade, there will be new orders, there will be new pricing. As the Baltic Dry Index improves, we as shipbuilder benefit from new orders of vessels and we get currency hedge benefit, as we buy in US dollars and we sell in US dollars. So we see some opportunity going forward for export orders of new vessels from international markets. with improvement in Baltic Dry Index. Presently, there are seven ship-building yards active in India, of which two are privately owned. The combined order-book of ship-builders across India stands at Rs 2 lakh crore, whereas private ship-builders have an order-book in range of Rs 6,000 crore.
Reliance Naval also has Rs 616 crore just limited to commercial ship-building but has also started booking orders from order-book to deliver high speed patrol defense vertical, commercial ship-build- vessels to Indian Coast Guard over longing, oil-&-gas rigs building and heavy term along with five warships to be delivengineering fabrications works includ- ered to Indian Navy. ing cranes building. The company just Q. In given scenario, how does the launched 2 billion rupee Indian Coast Guard Vessel ICGS VARUN on October company see high oil prices as one 24, 2018, which shall be used to train positive factor while trying to expand Indian Coast Guard and Naval Recruits its order-book and looking for a 360 degree turnaround of the facility with product portfolio expansion, especially the oil-gas rigs? A. As the oil price increases, but obviously the shipping demand also increases in terms of logistics facilitation, but as far as India is concerned, with high oil prices, the focus gets more intense to address the balance of trade and so there are excellent opportunities in areas of oil-gas exploration, as the oil-gas exploration business starts booming. So, high oil prices definitely give us an opportuQ: What kind of capacity utilization to get trained in seaborne challenge en- nity, except we do not have good expevironment while safeguarding the marine rience to build rigs, for which we will are you looking at? A. Pipavav Shipyard (Reliance Naval) borders and addressing the issues of na- need technology support. We are equally eyeing opportunities in technology parthas an installed capacity of 1,40,000 tons tional security. The vessel ICGS VARUN shall be nership areas as far as oil-rig construcsteel through put and aims more orders to make facility more lucrative. The compa- delivered to Indian Coast Guard in May tion and new orders from same vertical are concerned. ny has expanded its product portfolio not 2019,
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past is perfect
Maritime transport flourished on Gujarat coast centuries ago
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IO scientists find remains of jetty, road, anchors near Navibandar
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he Ghogha-Dahej Ro-Ro ferry service has finally become operational after remaining on drawing board for over two decades, but, scientists and marine archeologists have found several evidence of a systematic coastal transportation and ferry service that existed in Gujarat centuries ago. Maritime archaeological exploration around Navibandar, 35 km east of Porbandar, by Goa-based National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), found remains of jetties and a well-paved road that was used to ferry goods and passengers across river Bhadar, the biggest and most important river of Saurashtra. The coastal archaeological studies along the Saurashtra coast has revealed the rich tradition of maritime practices and the remains of such traditions from several places. The locations of ancient sites connected with the evidence on maritime traditions are closely associated with 16
the present port towns on the Saurashtra coast. The historical period port at Hathab and medieval port at Ghogha are still active and fishermen are using them regularly. A Harappan site at Padri is situated near Sultanpur, which is a small port used by fishermen. Harappan sites at Kanjetar and Kaj are closely situated near the present port at Mul Dwarka, whereas the Chalcolithic site at Prabhas Patan is situated near Veraval port. “Gujarat’s maritime history finds place in several literature and history books. But material evidence to support this is very limited,” said Sundaresh, principal technology officer who conducted the study along with AS Gaur and Sila Tripathi. The study was titled “Ancient coastal transportation system along the Western Saurashtra coast: evidence from Navibandar.” The most interesting find of the study was the evidence of the use of bullock carts, whose imprints have also been found on the road and near the jetty. “It was interesting to find that the stone-paved road stretched up to at least a km. Goods were loaded in bullock carts and brought to the
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jetty and then unloaded in boats to be ferried across the river,” he added. “Bullock-cart imprints were seen on the rocky surface for a long distance up to the coast. This shows how bullock carts played a major role in coastal transportation system till the early decades of the 20th century,” he said. They also found a 30 cm high wall at some places on both sides of the road, which indicates that it might have been erected to protect the road from flooding during high tide. NIO scientists also found the passenger jetty with steps constructed using huge stone blocks. Crossing of the river was a major challenge as the width of the river mouth is greater than the upstream region and also the area is affected by the tidal system. Thus the approach road to the ferry/jetty point was constructed using stones. The bullock-cart marks on the road and on rocky surface suggest that this was the major means of transport along the areas of the Saurashtra coast. A study of an old map suggests that the ferry point and road existed prior to 1948. The stone anchor observed in Naviban-
dar is similar to those reported from the closest underwater sites at Visawada and Miyani, and Somnath waters on the Saurashtra coast. Thus, it indicates that Navibandar served as a port prior to the construction of the fort and the tradition continues even today though the anchors have a crude shape. Perhaps Arab boats did not visit this port, as no evidence has come to light regarding the Indo-Arab type of anchor. Thus this port has not played a major role in the Indo-Arab trading system, which is a major feature of the Saurashtra coast during the medieval period. Porbandar on the west and Mangrol on the east were major ports during the early medieval period. Earlier explorations have yielded the remains of ancient harbours and jetties at Dwarka and Somnath, Bet Dwarka, Miyani and Visawada, Mul Dwarka, Hathab and Ghogha. The evidence on the coastal transport system provides a clue to the means of transport during the medieval period along the western Saurashtra coast. In the vicinity of Navibandar a few protohistoric sites have been recorded at Bokhira (Porbandar) and Kindar Kheda on the west and Antroli on the east, whereas a large
Jetties
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he River Bhadar was crossed using a ferry service at Navibandar prior to the construction of the bridge around the early decades of the 20th century. The remains of these points were observed on both sides of the river. Majority of the remains have been buried under the present jetty at Navibandar; however, on the other side of the river the remains of the jetty and road are intact. The passenger jetty with steps was constructed using large dressed stone blocks. There is another jetty probably used to unload cargoes, located further down the river mouth area. Though presently the area is covered with a dense growth of babool trees, a closer look reveals the remains of the jetty.
number of historical and medieval-period sites have been reported with evidence of the maritime traditions. The Saurashtra coast has been a focal point of maritime activities since the Bronze Age and continues till date. Maritime archaeological explorations all along the coast yielded ample evidence to suggest active maritime activities along the coast. Navibandar has been an important
Roads
Stone anchors
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composite-type anchor was noticed in a lane of Navibandar village within the fort. It is half buried adjacent to a house along the narrow lane. The upper half with a circular hole is noticeable. It is made of locally available limestone. A heap of stone anchors, presently used by the fishermen of Navibandar was also noticed in a corner outside a house. They are irregular in shape with a crude hole for holding the rope.
Iron cannons
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maritime centre since the medieval period. According to the local information, there was a memorial stone with a boat motif but it was taken by a historian from Porbandar and presently its location is unknown. The oral tradition reveals that the fort was constructed by Jethwa Queen Rajamata Kalabai during the early 17th century for the protection of overseas traders and in the process generated a lot of revenue for the state.
long the Saurashtra coast, iron cannons were used extensively for maritime purpose, specially mooring for the boats. These cannons are half buried in the jetty. Another cannon was found vertically erected at the river mouth. The purpose of the same is unknown. These cannons are heavily corroded and symbols or inscription could not be traced. However, based on the history of Navibandar fort these cannons may be dated to the 17th century AD and were perhaps used for defence purpose.
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well-planned 4 m wide road, constructed with well-dressed stone was noticed on the western side of the jetty. It runs a little over a kilometre. Due to the estuary region, the height of the road was raised at a few places by filling the area with stone blocks. On both sides of the road a 1foot high wall was observed at a few places, perhaps to mark the road during high tide where it might be getting flooded. Another road running from the cargo jetty was observed further down the river. This is also 4 m wide and has been constructed with locally available dressed stone. Unlike the earlier road this is plain without any wall on the side. The length of this road is about 150 m. It is made over a shallow channel of the estuary. This road was mainly used for transporting goods from the boat to the market by bullock carts and vice versa.
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Marine lines travelogue
KILL YOUR BOREDOM AT BORDI BEACH
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By Rajeev Khanna
ery few people know that just at the tip of the coastal border of Gujarat and Maharashtra lies a spell binding destination for a tourist. The quaint and tiny tribal village of Bordi is just the place for a person looking to go far from the madding crowd. Imagine a place where there are no modern pizza outlets, no loud music playing cafes, no shopping malls and virtually no commercial establishment. This is Bordi for you. If one wants to enjoy the pristine beauty of a coastal village, rejuvenate his or her spirits this is the place to visit. It is very close to the industrial hub of Umergaon. But it is a place that is nestled on the coast where one can experience pure silence. To reach 18
this place one has to first go to the neighbouring village of Gholvad. To enjoy the trip to this place in totality, one must take a train that stops
Bordi is such a delightfully lazy place in today’s fast-paced life that getting newspaper is an exercise. Don’t miss the delectable Parsi cuisine here at Gholvad station. On the face of it, Gholvad is a mirror of thousands of non descript railway stations across
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India having three platforms and a small office with a ticket window. But a surprise awaits a traveler the moment he steps out of the station gates. One is greeted by a swanky bakery and no, it is not expensive at all. It serves some of the most delicious bakery products. Adjoining the place is an auto stand from where one can take a shared auto to Bordi. The approximately four kilometers ride is a sheer joy in itself and one is reminded of the stories about coastal villages one has grown up reading in school books. Although there is a high end resort on the northern side of the village but the charm lies in staying in one of the old bungalows that people have converted into guest houses with a beach on the posterior. One can enjoy long
walks on this beach whenever one wants and its sheer joy seeing local kids playing there. There are just one or two odd joints serving lunch and dinner. The thali offered by them is nothing but a plain but delicious affair at a very reasonable price. The only thing to be kept in mind is that they close early in accordance with village traditions. There are several tea stalls dotting the village where one can consume numerous cups of tea with light snacks. If one is lucky and is there on the day of the Haat, the local market, one can experience the charms of bygone era because up for sale are those small implements that the present generation is completely unaware of. These are farm implements, ropes, local herbs and produce sold under colourful umbrellas by people in colourful attire. But the most surprising aspect of Bordi village is that despite the place being in Maharashtra which is not dry like Gujarat, there is no liquor shop in the village. This is because of the decision taken by the Panchayat that since there are any educational institutions in the vicinity liquor vend should not be located there. But one can surely get liquor in neighbouring Gholvad. In fact there is a fantastic resort in the village that
serves wine along with some out of the world sea food. It is located inside a chikoo orchard and one can enjoy his food and wine on tables with chikoo laden branches of trees just at an arm’s length. Bordi is such a delightfully lazy place in today’s fast paced life that even getting the daily newspaper is an exercise. One has to wait till late morning even for a newspaper that can be purchased by a vendor arriving on a motorcycle. One can spend the day having small chats with the local shopkeepers and farmers at the tea stalls or at the bus shelter. Once the stay at Bordi is over, an icing on the cake can be a bus ride to Mumbai’s backyard of Dahanu. But what needs to be kept in mind is that one must take the bus going via Chikhala village and there is no chance of being disappointed. The
bus tredges along the coast taking a winding road over undulating surface with the sea giving company to the traveler across the entire 20 kilometer stretch. It is simply a delightful ride. One can even enjoy the sea beach at Dahanu that welcomes you back to the fast paced life of the present day. The traveler can enjoy some awesome Vada Pav and Sev Usal at Dahanu before heading back home. The next time you think of a short trip yearning for peace and tranquility, head towards Bordi. All you need to carry is some casual wear, a first aid box, a book and some other essentials. The place will embrace you with such warmth that you will want to keep returning again and again. You can write to Rajeev at rajeevsolan@gmail.com
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last laugh
Pun intended: Tickle yourself with some maritime humour
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job at sea is believed to be a puns, naval puns, ship puns, fishing ing.’ Diving is an activity associated with very challenging one. Apart from puns, and it even has a decent overlap physical capacity to be in water with the infamous ocean puns category deep water as it is a process of going for days and weeks together, – one of the more popular categories of down. But those in the maritime industry have a pun on the sector’s economy that those sailing also need to be having a puns.” Wikipedia states that puns were found says, ‘Did you hear about the submarine very strong mental make up to deal with the monotony. It is while being in mid sea in ancient Egypt where they were heavily industry? It really took a dive.’ You might be wondering how the lanone realizes that laughter is actually the used in the development of myths and guage of the business world finds a way interpretation of dreams. best medicine. Let’s undertake a journey through into the realm of maritime sector. Well This is why the maritime literature is full of hilarious content. It can make even some maritime puns. These reflect the sample a pun that says. ’A ship’s captain those sitting atop mountains or in the mental frame of those who coined them is a sails manager.’ A reader is bound to get confused middle of deserts laugh to their heart’s as well as those for whom these were content. Let us start by examining some coined. Take for example ‘I used to have when he comes across words like hole, whole and hull together. It happens in the a fear of boats, but that ship has sailed.’ maritime puns. You might have heard of the English world of maritime puns when one hears, A seaman’s spirit can be gauged by ’After eating the ship, the sea monster one that goes “I never found sending signeeded an Alka-Seltzer. He said, ‘I can’t nals from ships challenging. I always had believe I ate the hull thing.’ a flare for it.” This can be followed by,’ You’re going Before proceeding further one needs to have hull of a time getting traction for to understand what exactly is a pun. We this post.’ often come across the phrase ‘pun inAfter all it is nothing but an inter play tended’ when commenting on something of same sounding differently spelt words or someone. Well, the Collins English that do the magic and a perfect example Dictionary defines a pun as ‘a clever and is ‘Buoy, Isle be surprised if this makes it amusing use of a word or phrase with to the front page’. two meanings, or of words with the same These puns often leave much to the sound but different meanings.” imagination of the one who listens or Wikipedia takes it further saying ‘The reads them. Another hilarious example pun, also called paronomasia, is a form is, ‘A boating accident between the yatch, of word play that exploits multiple meanRed Dawn, and the schooner, Blue Laings of a term, or of similar-sounding goon, left the survivors marooned.’ words, for an intended humorous or rheFor a man in the waters a common torical effect. expression can be, ‘Let’s sea where this Puns have a long history in human post goes.’ After all he is used to the writing. Many poets and writers have used them liberally since ancient times. proverb saying ‘You might take a horse terminology associated with sails and At times the usage was humorous and to water but you cannot make him drink masts. He is likely to have an expression at times it was not. But puns have been it’. Sample the version meant for the like, ‘You’re such an aft. Mast you always maritime players that goes ‘Vikings were make fun?’ in use over the centuries. Don’t be surprised if someone can When one glances through the mar- expert mariners - you can lead a Norse be heard saying, ‘It’s important that we itime sector in Punpedia which is a sort to water, but you can’t make him sink’. The newspapers are known to report stay serious. You know what I’m tacking of an encyclopedia on puns one finds , “The boating and nautical area of word boat capsizes around the world for they about?’ or ‘You guys are keeling me.’ Still play has a strong history, perhaps mostly kill many people. But did you ever imag- better would be the pun, ‘Rudder you because of the tradition of naming a boat ine that even an event like capsizing can than me.’ And if you do not agree you can alor ship with a pun. On top of this, there be used humorously in a pun that reads, are so many sub-categories of boat word ‘Why did the admiral decide against buy- ways retort by saying, ‘That pun sinks. play: sailing puns, anchor puns, rowing ing a new hat? He was afraid of cap siz- Let’s knot do this kind of ship.’ 20
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SEA STORY
Rarest of the Rare event... A Navigational Freak & Wonder !
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he passenger steamer SS Warrimoo was quietly knifing its way through the waters of the mid-Pacific on its way from Vancouver to Australia. The navigator had just finished working out a star fix and brought Captain John DS. Phillips, the result. The Warrimoo’s position was LAT 0º 31’ N and LONG 179 30’ W. The date was 31 December 1899. “Know what this means?” First Mate Payton broke in, “We’re only a few miles from the intersection of the Equator and the International Date Line”. Capt Phillips was prankish enough to take full advantage of the opportuni-
The forward part (bow) of the ship was in the Southern Hemisphere & in the middle of summer. The rear (stern) was in the Northern Hemisphere & in the middle of winter. The date in the aft part of the ship was 31 December 1899. In the bow (forward) part it was 1 ty for achieving the navigational freak of a lifetime. He called his navigators to the bridge to check & double check the ship’s position. He changed course slightly so as to bear directly on his mark. Then he adjusted the engine speed. The
January 1900. This ship was therefore not only in two different days, Two different months, Two different years, Two different seasons but in two different centuries - all at the same time! calm weather & clear night worked in his favor. At mid-night the SS Warrimoo lay on the Equator at exactly the point where it crossed the International Date Line! The consequences of this bizarre position were many.
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HEALTH
EASY WAYS TO REMAIN IN PINK OF HEALTH
Abhishek Thakkar
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ith increased stress and unhealthy lifestyle, problems like obesity, blood pressure, diabetes etc. and as we know obesity is the mother of all other health problems. But the good news is that people are getting aware and taking their health and fitness seriously. The last few years have seen several gyms and fitness centers mushrooming with attractive membership including discounts. But do you think heading to the gym is the only solution to improve health and fitness? And is it possible for all to do so? I think NO. With shortage of time and several other reasons it’s not possible for all to join a gym. So does it mean that they cannot improve their health and fitness? Of course not, fitness is something which also can be achieved out of gym. Question is how? The answer is just by making simple modifications in your lifestyle and diet, once can create a huge difference in health. Our lifestyle is the instrument which decides our health status. Unfortunately most of us live an unhealthy life, creating the roots for various unhealthy choices around us. I am hereby sharing seven easy lifestyle changes to give birth to a new you. Check the difference…
food and try to stay away from junk food. Don’t be sweet to sugar : How can one avoid sweets? The problem is all the yummy goodies are prepared from refined sugar which is full of carbohydrates. Besides, we can easily meet our daily requirement of carbohydrates through regular meal. Excess carbohydrates in the body, converts into fat and we gain the weight. So say no to extra sugar in your daily routine.
not using vehicle for shorter distance task, etc. We really don’t know how huge difference such small activities make in our health and fitness program. Being physically active improves our metabolic rate and burn some stored energy, which help us to maintain our weight. Developing hobby : Another option to sweat is putting all that effort into something you enjoy doing, like fast paced dancing, swimming, gardening, taking your pet for a walk and playing an outdoor game. It burns hundreds of calories in an hour. And the best part is that you will not even realize the exertion level while performing any of your favorite activity.
CONSUME Food in installment : It is always beneficial to eat several small meals throughout the day instead of eating Time table : Remember school days, two large meals. When you wait too long to sounds childish right? But you know just like eat in between large meals, you often tend to our external schedule our body also work on eat more than you should because of extreme clock. Our body has system and to regulate it hungry. This leads to the consumption of Just be yourself : Remember the properly, we need to set our day to day rou- unnecessary calories and subsequent weight quote “ Mental fitness is a gateway to physitine on set point of time. All the activities like gain. Therefore, smaller meals at multiple cal fitness”. It is so well said. In today’s stresswaking, all meals, sleeping should be on time. times throughout the day will help to pro- ful life, it is very important to be mentally fit It helps to regulate our internal system and mote weight loss. Multiple, small meals to cope up with all the unwanted stress. Spare improve metabolic rate. throughout the day will help maintain high some activities which balance your mental energy levels and can give you satisfaction of health, like meditation, listening to your faCut the salt : Salt is not harmful if having a full stomach. vorite music, reading books, etc. Just loosen taken in required quantity which is around 6 up and loose yourself in your world. grams per day. None of us are able to stick to Increase physical activities : such standards. Excess salt is the main cause Apart from regular 30 minutes exercise, one Abhishek Thakkar is founder of Internafor high blood pressure. Thanks to all junk should be physically active in their day to day tinal Fitness Academy, India in Ahmedabad. food and fried snacks in addition to our regu- routine. For example, using stairs instead of He is a fitness professional and educator lar meal. Even condiments like pickles, sauc- elevators, avoiding remote control to change certified by American College of Sports es, papad, are full of salt owing to taste and the television channels, doing some standing Medicine, American Council On Exercise preservation. Just cut down salt from your job after your meal, taking your pet for walk, & International Sports Science Association 22
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MARINE LINES, November 2018. RNI No. Under Process, Title Code: GUJENG16193