Port Wings Maritime Exim Weekly Newspaper 15 April 2020 Issue

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25 Million Jobs at Risk with Ministry of Shipping Plays Pro-active Role Towards Ensuring Smooth Shipping Airline Shutdown, Warns IATA Operations in COVID-19 Situation Chennai

Chennai

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Port Wings News Network n the wake of unprecedented crisis due to Covid-19, the Ministry of Shipping has been taking pro-active steps to ensure smooth running of shipping and port operations, ease the hardships, and at the same time, following the restrictions imposed during the lockdown.

Traffic Handled by Major Ports The total traffic handled at Major Ports from April to March 2020 was 704.63 Million Tonnes as against 699.10 Million Tonnes handled during the corresponding period of the previous year, showing an overall growth of 0.82% in the traffic handled.

During April to March, 2020, Container tonnage and TEUS were 146934 and 9988 thousand respectively, whereas it was 145451 and 9877 thousand during April to March, 2019. There was growth of 1.02% in Container tonnage and 1.12% in Container TEUs. In March 2020, the total traffic was 61120 tonnes which is more than 57233 tonnes in February 2020 but 5.25% less than March,2019 (64510 tonnes).

No. of vessels handled The number of vessels handled by ports during 2019-20 was around 20837, whereas during 2018-19, number of vessels handled was 20853. The vessel traffic declined slightly by 0.08%in comparison to last year.

Measures taken to handle the COVID-19 Thermal scanning Total of 46,202 passengers have been scanned between 27/01/2020

File Photo

to 04/04/2020 using Thermal Scanners at Indian Ports. Out of which, 39,225 people were scanned at Major Ports.

Waiver of penal fee Ministry of Shipping, vide order no: PD-14300/4/2020-PD VII, dated 31st March, 2020 issued directions to the Major Ports: Each Major Port to ensure that no penalties, demurrage, charges, fee, rentals are levied by the Major ports on any port user (traders, Shipping lines, concessionaires, licensees etc.) for any delay in berthing or loading/unloading operations or evacuation of cargo caused by the reasons attributable to lockdown measures from 22nd March to 14th April, 2020.

Therefore, each Major Port shall exempt or remit demurrage, ground rent over and above the free period, penal anchorage/berth hire charges and any other performance related penalties that may be levied on port related activities including minimum performance guarantee, wherever applicable.

Force majeure Ministry of Shipping, vide order no: PD-14300/4/2020-PD VII, dated 31stMarch,2020 issued directions to the Major Ports: The period for completion of any Project under implementation in

PPP mode or otherwise, can be extended by the Ports.

For existing and operational PPP projects, the Major Ports can permit waiver of all penal consequences on a case-to-case basis along with deferment of certain performance obligations under the relevant provisions of Concession Agreement.

The period of Force Majeure starts from the date of order of Ministry of Finance referred above and will end when the competent authority so orders Preparation of Hospitals Hospitals across the Major Port Trusts have been supplied with the Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and the arrangement of sufficient staff round the clock has been made. In some Port Hospitals, a part of the hospital can be earmarked for Covid-19 with separate entry and exit.

CSR Funds transferred to PMCARES Fund Ports and PSUs under the Ministry of Shipping have contributed more than Rs 52 Crore from the CSR funds towards PM CARES Fund.

Employees contribute from their salary Employees of Ports, PSUs and other offices of the Ministry of Shipping have contributed over Rs 7 crore from their salaries towards PM CARES Fund.

Steps taken by DG Shipping DG Shipping vide Order No. 02 of 2020 dated 16.03.2020, Order No.03 of 2020 dated 20/03/2020 Contd. on page -2

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Port Wings News Network he International Air Transport Association has released new analysis showing that some 25 million jobs are at risk of disappearing with plummeting demand for air travel amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Globally, the livelihoods of some 65.5 million people are dependent on the aviation industry, including sectors such as travel and tourism.

Among these are 2.7 million airlines jobs. In a scenario of severe travel restrictions lasting for three months, IATA research calculates that 25 million jobs in aviation and related sectors are endangered across the world: 11.2 million jobs in AsiaPacific; 5.6 million jobs in Europe; 2.9 million jobs in Latin America; 2.0 million jobs in North America; 2.0 million jobs in Africa; and 0.9 million jobs in the Middle East.

In the same scenario, airlines are expected to see full year passenger revenues fall by $252 billion (-44%) in 2020 compared to 2019. The second quarter is the most critical with demand falling 70% at its worst point, and airlines burning through $61 billion in cash.

Airlines are calling on governments to provide immediate financial aid to help airlines to remain viable businesses able to lead the recovery when the pandemic is contained. Specifically, IATA calls for: Direct financial support; Loans, loan guarantees and support for the corporate bond market; and Tax relief.

“There are no words to adequately describe the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the airline industry. And the economic pain will be shared by 25 million people who work in jobs dependent upon airlines. Airlines must be viable

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businesses so that they can lead the recovery when the pandemic is contained. A lifeline to the airlines now is critical,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO. Looking Ahead: Re-booting the Industry Alongside vital financial relief, the industry will also need careful planning and coordination to ensure that airlines are ready when the pandemic is contained.

“We have never shuttered the industry on this scale before.

Consequently, we have no experience in starting it up. It will be complicated. At the practical level, we will need contingencies for licenses and certifications that have expired. We will have to adapt operations and processes to avoid reinfections via imported cases.

And we must find a predictable and efficient approach to managing travel restrictions which need to be lifted before we can get back to work. These are just some of the major tasks that are ahead of us.

And to be successful, industry and government must be aligned and working together,” said de Juniac.

IATA is scoping a comprehensive approach to re-booting the industry when governments and public health authorities allow. A multi-stakeholder approach will be essential. One initial step is a series of virtual meetings—or summits—on a regional basis, bringing together governments and industry stakeholders. The main objectives will be: Understanding what is needed to re-open closed borders, and Agreeing solutions that can be operationalized and scaled efficiently.

“We are not expecting to re-start the same industry that we closed a few weeks ago. Airlines will still connect the world. And we will do that through a variety of business models. But the industry processes will need to adapt. We must get on with this work quickly. We don’t want to repeat the mistakes made after 9.11 when many new processes were imposed in an uncoordinated way. We ended up with a mess of measures that we are still sorting out today. The 25 million people whose jobs are at risk by this crisis will depend on an efficient re-start of the industry,” said de Juniac.

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RNI No. TNENG/2014/59741 Postal Registration No. TN/CNIGPO/067/2018-2020 Posted at Pathrika Channel, Egmore, RMS, Chennai-8. Date of Publication - Wednesday, Posted on Tuesday / Wednesday

Apr. 15th - 21st Issue

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Ministry of Shipping Plays Pro-active...

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

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Wing 6 Feather 35

Trump's Navel-Gazing

he US President Donald Trump has attacked the World Health Organization (WHO) for being too "China-centric" in its tackling of the coronavirus pandemic. "The WHO really blew it," the US President said, adding that he was considering withdrawing funding to the UN agency. The US is one of the agency's largest voluntary contributors. The WHO later rejected Mr Trump's comments, saying that working closely with China was "absolutely essential" in understanding the disease.

Attempts by Trump and his allies to undermine the WHO and its leadership in the middle of a pandemic is dangerous and totally inappropriate. Covid-19 first emerged last December in the Chinese city of Wuhan, which has just ended an 11-week lockdown.

The Trump administration's navel-gazing has no doubt made this national crisis exponentially worse than it might have been under, say, a professional administration led by experience. It isn’t sufficient though to blame current leadership.

In the greatest country on the planet Earth, life was always splendid. “Oh, what a magnificent economy!” the pundits declared, praising record-low unemployment and sky-high stock prices.

But those many employed have no benefits, no sick leave. They have no savings and no safety net. Those stock prices, meanwhile, are inflated with buybacks. The national debt is great, despite this prosperity. The companies are weak and make little investment in their futures.

“We have so much wealth!” the US politicians announced with glee. “But that wealth is concentrated with the very rich. Most Americans struggle day-today and cannot afford a single financial emergency.”

The generals lauded the world’s most powerful military, in a country that spends more on its defense than the next seven highest-spending countries combined. “Americans can sleep well,” they said, “under the protection of our unparalleled defense.”

But how are you protecting them at home?, knowing that military provided little security against gun violence, cyber attacks, misinformation, and, of course, illness. Powerful hospital management companies celebrated and bragged of the world’s most advanced medical technology and its most skilled healthcare experts.

Even with all the finest expertise, America’s healthcare is the most expensive and inaccessible in the world. The United States has fewer physicians, fewer hospitals per capita, and fewer hospital beds per 1,000 people than most wealthy nations.

It will be a perfect illustration on the global stage – and in bold technicolour – of how the American way of marketing health works. This is what happens when health is treated not as a public good but as a commodity to be bought, as a privilege to incentivise the workforce, as a measure of who is successful and who is unsuccessful.

The US, by far the richest country on the planet, has a dysfunctional health care system not because it cannot afford a good one, but because its political worldview is so obscenely stunted by the worship of wealth that it refuses to acknowledge the communal good, to respect the common wealth of a healthy society. The US health system is by far the most expensive in the world, but also the most inefficient. The vast bulk of “health spending” does not contribute to healing the sick but enriches a health industry of pharmaceutical corporations and health insurance companies.

Analysts describe a third of all US health spending – $765 billion a year – as “wasted”. But “waste” is a euphemism. In fact, it is money stuffed into the pockets of corporations calling themselves the health industry as they defraud the common wealth of US citizens. And the fraudulence is all the greater because despite this enormous expenditure more than one in 10 US citizens has no meaningful health cover.

As neverSample before, coronavirus will bring into focus the depraved inefficiency TEXT of this system – the model of profit-driven health care, of market forces that look out for the short-term interests of business, not the long-term interests of us all.

Why would they brag, when that great healthcare offers so little to most of its people? But, if America is such a benevolent and powerful global leader, why then the country on track to have the worst coronavirus pandemic outbreak of any country on Earth? What is the point of being a world power if you can only portray strength to the outside, leaving your own population to suffer?

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Continued from page -1 and Order No. 04 of 2020 dated 20/03/2020 issued Instructions on dealing with novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The Directorate prepared a guidance document for shipping industry to help combat the spread of the Coronavirus. The document contains the advice on managing port entry restrictions, practical protective measures against COVID-19 for seafarers, preboarding screening, and education and what to do in suspected cases of infection, hygiene measures for seafarers on ships, managing high risk exposure, case handling, isolation and cleaning, disinfection and waste Management etc. All the stakeholders including Indian Shipping companies, RPS Service providers, MTIs, seafarers were directed to strictly comply with the instructions. DG Shipping issued Addendum No. 1 to DGS Order No. 04 of 2020 dated 21/03/2020 updating countries list with mandatory quarantine and travel ban

by MoHFW, Govt. of India.

Waiver In order to ensure that the EXIM trade does not suffer due to certain unavoidable delays in loading and discharge of cargo due to the lockdown; The Shipping lines have been advised by DGS order No 7 to not impose any container detention charge on export and import shipments of containerised cargo for the period from 22th March, 2020 to 14th April, 2020 (both days inclusive) over and above free time arrangement that is currently agreed and availed as part of any negotiated contractual terms. During this

period, the shipping lines are also advised not impose any new or additional charge.

In order to grant relief to the Indian EXIM trade the Shipping companies and carriers have been advised by DGS order No 8 to not charge any demurrage, ground rent beyond free period, storage charges in the port, additional anchorage charges, berth hire charge, or vessel demurrage or any other penal charge on cargo owners/ consignees of non-containerised cargo (i.e. bulk, break bulk and liquid cargo) for the period 22nd March, 2020 to 14th April,2020 (both days inclusive) due to delay in evacuation of cargo by reasons attributable to lockdown measures since 22nd March,2020.

Shipping Lines DG Shipping vide order no. 07 of 2020, dated 29/03/2020 issued advisory to the Indian ports and Shipping lines not to impose any container detention charge on import and export shipments from 22ndMarch, 2020 to 14th April, 2020 (both day inclusive). During this period Shipping Lines were also advised not to impose any new or additional charge.

Relief given to the Shipping Companies: 1.Since all DGS approved Training Institutes have been closed down and the seafarers on board ships have not been able to sign off on completion of their contract, many of the Certificates of Competency (COCs), Certificates of Proficiency (COPs) and Certificates of Efficiency (COEs) of seafarers on board or for those kept in reserve as replacement crew, have lapsed or are likely to get lapsed. In order to

keep the validity of these certificates alive, DGS has on its own extended the validity of certificates expiring up to 31st October, 2020 for a period of 6 months (It means all certificates will remain valid till 31.03.202.

International Maritime Organization has been informed accordingly.

2.Similarly, the validity of safety certificates of Indian ships is lapsing. In view of the difficulties faced by ship surveyors in carrying out the requisite safety inspections of the ships during these times, the validity of ship certificates has been extended till 31st June, 2020 subject to the Master of the Ship certifying that the ship is safe to operate.

3.To deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, DGS has developed revised guidelines for sanitisation of all ships, PPEs requirements for ship staff and pilots boarding the vessels, sanitisation and PPE requirements for ship and port staff for loading and unloading of cargo at all major and minor Indian Ports, protocol for management of sick crew and dead bodies on board, protocol for sign-on and sign-off of crew in emergencies etc. The revised protocol of DGS is being used by many foreign countries also.

4.The above protocols have been dealt with in DGS orders 1 of 2020 to DGS order 9 of 2020 and addendums. The Directorate continues to constantly watch the functioning of Indian ships and ships in Indian waters.

5.Due to the proactive approach of the maritime administration all Indian ships have been kept in working condition with valid certificates, are adequately manned and are engaged in carriage of goods.

EC Advocates Creation of Port Network for Crew Changes Chennai

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Port Wings News Network rom cruise ship passengers to cargo vessel crew, many have found themselves stranded since the coronavirus pandemic first took hold.

The guidelines issued by the European Commission to support these individuals, providing recommendations on health, repatriation and travel arrangements.

They also call upon Member-States to create a network of ports where crew changes can take place without delays, an EC press release.

Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean said: "Seafarers are keeping the vital channels for our economy and supply chains open, as 75% of EU global trade and 30% of all goods transported within the EU are moved by sea. The guidelines adopted today include sanitary advice, recommendations for crew changes, disembarking, and repatriation for seafarers and passengers. I am asking the Member States to designate ports where fasttrack crew changes take place and recall that cruise operators have a responsibility to their customers and employees to bring everyone safely home."

Crew changes, designated ports Seafarers often work away from home for months at a time. Once their contract comes to an end – the case for around 100 000 seafarers every month – crew changes take place in a port. For many seafarers, the port of arrival/departure is outside of their home country,

and many of those serving on EUinterest ships are non-EU nationals.

EU Member-States currently have different rules on crew changes in their ports. To ensure clarity for all involved, Member-States should follow the Commission's Guidance on facilitating transit arrangements and the Guidance on the implementation of green lanes.

For non-EU nationals who need visas to disembark within the EU and who could not apply for them due to the current situation, Member States should grant these at the border so that they may be quickly repatriated.

The guidelines call upon Member-States, in coordination with the Commission, to designate ports around EU shores for fasttrack crew changes, with adequate facilities for seafarers to undertake medical checks, quarantine if required by the country in question, and transport connections onward to their home country.

The pandemic has already led to extension of some contracts, potentially with a negative impact on wellbeing of seafarers. In all cases such extensions should take place with the agreement of the individuals concerned.

Cruise ships Cruise operators should take overall responsibility for arranging the repatriation of passengers and crews from their cruise ships, including from non-EU ports. The Commission calls on flag States to help the operators identify the appropriate ports for disembarkation

and support them in arranging disembarkation and repatriation of their customers and crew. If individuals on board are known to be infected with the coronavirus, the vessels should be directed to a port in close proximity where hospitals have sufficient capacity.

Sanitary recommendations and reporting Ships must already submit a Maritime Declaration of Health before entering a port. In addition, the Commission recommends that approaching vessels communicate – four hours before the estimated time of arrival – the number of people on board and any confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infections.

The health and safety of seafarers and port workers is paramount.

The Commission calls for personal protective equipment to be made available and used in line with existing recommendations and for seafarers to have access to adequate medical care if in need. Where all members of a crew are healthy and if their previous port call took place more than a fortnight ago, they should not be quarantined when they disembark to repatriate.

These guidelines do not cover crew members on fishing vessels, who fall under the scope of the recently adopted guidance documents concerning the exercise of the free movement of workers during COVID-19 outbreak and on border management measures to protect health and ensure the availability of goods and essential services.

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Trade Body Seeks Immediate Announcement of Special Relief Package to Mitigate Adverse Economic Impact of COVID-19 Crisis Mumbai

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Port Wings News Network he All India Association of Industries (AIAI) on 13 April said that while the 21-day lockdown announced by the government and subsequent extension till 3 May 2020 has helped India mitigate the spread of Coronavirus on a large scale, the economy is reeling under tremendous pressure of an imminent recession likely to be brought out by the COVID-19 crisis.

Ms. Sangeeta Jain, Senior Director, stated: "It is feared that the crisis will lead to huge job losses in the informal sector and may end up into shutdown of many small and large organizations."

In order to mitigate the adverse impact of the crisis, AIAI are proposing the following suggestions that the government may consider implementing to come out lessscathed of this precarious situation: MSME sector Reduce GST rates and increase interest rate subvention The Finance Minister, in her Budget Speech, had highlighted the government’s significant achievements under GST and emphasised that over 60 lakh new taxpayers were added in the last two years, despite enhancement of the threshold and composition limits for the MSME sector.

In another development, the government has announced 2% interest rate subvention for all GST registered MSMEs on fresh or incremental loans, and has done away with the requirement of Udyog Aadhar Number (UAN) for units eligible for GST. At a time when the economy is severely hit by the COVID-19 crisis, the government should target these MSMEs and handhold them through reduction in GST rates, which will also reduce the incidence of taxation on consumers, thereby increasing demand. Further, the government should increase interest rate subvention to 5% in order to support the viability of MSMEs once the lockdown period is over.

Enhance the corpus of CGTMSE and collateral-free lending limit The Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) scheme allows collateral-free lending (term loan and/or working capital loan) to new and existing micro and small enterprises by eligible lending institutions up to Rs. 2 crore per borrowing unit. The lending is in turn guaranteed by the government.

The FM, in her Budget Speech, had further proposed to introduce a scheme to provide subordinate debt for MSME entrepreneurs and said that this subordinate debt, provided by banks, would count as quasi-equity and would be fully guaranteed through the CGTMSE scheme.

We suggest, in this time of distress, the government should enhance the corpus of the CGTMSE scheme to Rs. 50,000 crore and allow collateral-free lending to MSMEs to the tune of Rs. 5 crore per borrowing unit. This will enable MSMEs rebuild their business once the crisis is over, while banks and financial institutions should also collaborate with fintech companies to ascertain that the credit is only disbursed to eligible borrowers.

Expedite implementation of Budgetary announcements The government should further expedite implementation of budgetary announcements such as launching of an app-based invoice financing loans product aimed at obviating the problem of delayed payments and consequential cash flow mismatches for MSMEs, and enabling NBFCs to extend invoice financing to MSMEs through the TReDS platform, thereby enhancing their economic and financial sustainability.

Incentivize investment in R&D and Technology Upgradation Considering that overdependence on China for import of raw material and intermediate products has led to disruption in our supply chains, it is time we revisit the concept of import substitution and ‘Make in India’. In

this regard, the government should further incentivize investment in R&D and technology upgradation among MSMEs, as also address the problem of inverted duty structure observed in the sale of certain finished products.

Expedite implementation of export-promotion schemes At a time when countries are looking at diversifying their import baskets, export promotion schemes announced by the government such as Niryat Rin Vikas Yojana (NIRVIK) and Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Product (RoDTEP) can enhance Indian MSMEs’ participation in Global Value Chains.

While the NIRVIK scheme aims to provide higher export credit disbursement, enhanced insurance cover and reduced premium for small exporters, the RoDTEP scheme will reimburse value added tax, electricity duties and fuel used for transportation by exporters in their production process, which are currently not being exempted or refunded under any other mechanism. These schemes should be implemented expeditiously so that MSME exporters get government handholding in these difficult times.

Provide wage subsidies and relief from statutory payments The government should also provide wage subsidies to MSMEs in order for them to retain their workers and waive statutory payments such as municipal taxes, power tariffs and PF contribution for the next six months.

Apart from the above, following are some sector-specific suggestions to come out of this anomaly: Aviation and Tourism Bring Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) under the ambit of GST with full input tax credit on all goods and services; Bring tourism entities such as airlines and hospitality providers under the priority sector lending category Auto and Auto Components Postpone implementation of BS

VI norms until 1st October, 2020; Incentivize purchase of new vehicles Retail and E-commerce Bring more items under the essential commodities list; Ensure smooth transportation of goods and services Real Estate and Construction Enforce the provision of invoking ‘Force Majeure’ clause where projects are delayed due to the lockdown; Relax NPA classification norms for stressed projects Textile and Clothing Announce a special relief package for the sector; Expedite refund of taxes levied on exports Pharmaceuticals Ensure quality testing and faster approvals for manufacturing of COVID-19-related drugs; Promote digital payment mechanisms in order to adhere to social distancing.

"We hope our suggestions will be taken into consideration," said Ms. Sangeeta Jain, Senior Director, AIAI. Agriculture Farmer distress: The farming community has come under severe stress because of the disruption to the supply chain linking farms to the market. Many agriculture mandis have been closed, trucks and trailers for transporting farm goods have been idled because of scarcity of drivers. Under this circumstance, farmers harvesting rabi crops (viz. mustard, wheat, paddy and pulses which are harvested between end of March to end of May) are finding it difficult to sell their goods in the market. Also, perishable agriculture goods such as fruits and vegetables are rotting in the farm because of lack of transport facility or shutdown of agriculture mandis. Consequently, farmers who cultivated these crops are unable to recover the cost incurred on production.

Proposed measure: 1. The central government, in collaboration with the state government and local bodies, should open procurement centres for rabi crops near the place of harvest to enable farmers sell their crops directly to government

or government-designated agencies.

2. The government, in consultation with the state governments, should allow farmers to sell their crops outside the regulated mandis, so that they can sell at the nearest available market and recover cost.

3. The state government should send advisory to the law enforcement agencies to allow opening of farm mandis by ensuring that buyers and sellers follow social distancing.

4. The government may also explore the idea of linking farmers directly to the consumers through e-commerce. This can be done in collaboration with the private e-commerce companies such as Flipkart or Amazon.

4. In this extraordinary time, the government should extend the benefit under PM Kisan to landless labourers, and migrant farm workers as well.

5. The government should declare pest management and fumigation as essential service as these are required to prevent infestation of farm commodities.

6. The government should provide relief to farmers storing their goods in cold chain and warehouses by reducing the electricity tariff charged in these facilities. This will reduce the cost of storage for farmers.

The above measures will provide relief to farmers who cultivated rabi crops. Apart from the above measures, the government should also take the following measures to ensure that farmers can prepare for the upcoming kharif season: 1. The government should include all agriculture equipment, include irrigation sets under the essential items list to ensure there is no scarcity of these goods for farmers 2. The government should automatically extend the license period of seeds as this will prevent any disruption in availability of seeds for the next cropping season.

3. The government, together with NABARD and RBI should ensure that flow of agriculture credit for the next cropping season is not affected.

COVID-19: Logistics Industry Anxious as Ports Run With Essential Services Tag Mumbai

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Port Wings News Network he Shipping Ministry’s decision to keep the country’s ports running for clearing cargo by declaring it an essential service in the midst of the lockdown makes logical sense, but the move has triggered much anxiety in an industry where social distancing is unimaginable due to the scale of human interface needed for moving goods, says a BusinessLine report.

For logistics to work, the entire chain should function uninterrupted.

This is where the Shipping Ministry’s move to continue with normal operations of ports and cargo clearance activities - for essential and non-essential goods - appears “contradictory” to the notifications issued by the Central and State governments restricting movement of people.

Many government offices and private entities have a role to play in the processing of EXIM documentation, drawing and testing

of samples and issue of test results, certificates, etc.

These include Customs, port offices, plant quarantine and animal quarantine offices for sampling, testing and release of cargo/ phytosanitary certificates, Export Inspection Agency for sampling, testing and issue of certificates, FSSAI office for sampling, testing and release of cargo, courier services for delivery and acceptance of documents together with their movement across the country, shipping lines for acceptance and issue of bills of lading, delivery orders, insurance companies for issue of policies, container freight stations in and around ports where the cargo is offloaded / loaded, Customs examination and stuffing / destuffing, empty container yards for picking up empty containers for stuffing and offloading empty containers after import destuffing, cargo surveyors’ office, container transporters and their drivers / cleaners.

It requires personnel associated with cargo clearance to “personally” visit all or most of these offices/ places to get the work done.

“While doing so, they are contacting / interacting with various people in the whole logistics chain, and under the current circumstances, pose a major threat to their health and also to other people who have transactions with them,” said a logistic industry executive.

“If the employees are travelling, they are more susceptible to the coronavirus infection as they are coming into contact with a great many people,” he said.

“Some of these places are within a few km radius of each other, which could potentially become a hotspot for coronavirus if it enters the circuit,” says Alan Jose, President, Cochin Customs Brokers’ Association.

For instance, the Kerala government has declared Ernakulam district where Cochin Port Trust is located, as one of the hot spots in the

state.

“Considering the above facts and the Covid-19 affected cases nearby, Vallarpadam (where the international container terminal run by D P World is located) may be one of the most dangerous red-hot spots,” Jose said in an April 3 letter to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

As cargo piles up, various intermediaries in the logistics chain are coaxing their skeletal staff, as well as customers/users to help clear cargo by assuring them of precautionary measures to protect and deal with the epidemic.

“We wish to reassure the trade and especially all importers / custom house agents and all other visitors coming to CFS in connection with clearances and deliveries of boxes that our member CFSs as responsible stakeholders and citizens are committed to combating and containing the spread of the deadly Covid-19. Accordingly, all our member CFSs have taken care and initiated several safety and health

related precautionary measures keeping in mind the health of their own staff and also of persons visiting CFS’ for clearance of goods to contain the spread of the pandemic,” said Umesh Grover, SecretaryGeneral, Container Freight Stations’ Association of India.

It is fundamental to keep the supply chain operational while also protecting employees and users, says Sanjay Sethi, Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, India’s biggest container port.

“JNPT has undertaken several preventive measures to equip and protect its workforce. All our buses and workplace are being sanitised regularly,” Sethi added.

If all the cargoes are allowed for free movement, the lockdown will become meaningless, N Sivasailam, Special Secretary (Logistics), Department of Commerce, said during a video conference with the logistics industry stakeholders, organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce on April 3.

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Apr. 15th - 21st Issue

FIEO Urges government to Support Exports Sector New Delhi Port Wings News Network he Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO ) on 9 April urged the Union Government to support the exports sector.

To emphasize the points, Mr Sharad Kumar Saraf, President, FIEO, sent a letter to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Below is the reproduction of contents of the letter sent to the Prime Minister by FIEO President, Mr Sharad Kumar Saraf.

Corona virus has given a serious jolt to global economy and more so to the global trade. It is already evident that COVID-19 has triggered a deeper recession than that of the 2008-2009 Global Financial Crisis.

Much of the developed world is now amid the greatest economic disruption since the Second World War. The Monetary authorities in various countries have undertaken unprecedented actions to support their exports in global markets.

US, UK, Canada, Japan, Germany and even Bangladesh has provided bail out/financial package to their industry to sail through difficult times.

Our exports will take unprecedented hit in such challenging times. The exports sector is facing over 50% cancellation. The worst hit are the life style product like leather, carpets, handicrafts, apparels etc which are having over 75% cancellations. This will also put pressure on current account deficit as overseas remittance will decline so will be FDI/FIIs inflow in the country.

T

Speed is of the essence in mitigating any crisis. Therefore, we request immediate help through rapid policy decisions to mitigate the crisis and prevent further structural damage to both industry and economy.

1. Covid Interest free Working Capital Term Loan (Rs 1974 Cr) Government to allot Rs 30,000 Cr to exporting companies for easing their working capital liquidity issues.

• The loan amount should cover 6 months gross Salary and Wages, Rent and Electricity charges.

• No additional collateral or paperwork to all industrial units who have a clean record with the bank before lockdown.

• The repayment should be in 18 equal installments after 6 months initial moratorium.

• May be an extension of the NIRVIK scheme to Guarantee the banks.

Cost to Government: Credit Cost 30,000 Cr @ Repo Rate@ 4.4% = Rs 1704 Cr (660 Cr + 1044 Cr) (6 months moratorium + 18 months reducing balance) Credit Guarantee Cost of NIRVIK @0.72% = 270 Cr (108 Cr + 162 Cr) (6 months moratorium + 18 months reducing balance) Total Cost to GOI = Rs 1974 Cr Sir, there is a high risk of large scale unemployment after Lockdown (especially in the labour intensive sectors), if they are not accorded fiscal relief to ease their cash flow.

2. EPF and ESIC waiver for 3 months (Rs 16200+ Rs 2700 =

Rs.18900 Cr) Labour Intensive sectors are in extreme pressure to pay wages, but do not have liquidity or Mr. Sharad Kumar Saraf, cash flow President, FIEO to even pay the EPF and ESIC. These sectors carry a huge cost of employment while facing over 75% order cancellations and may close.

• Maximum Salary Eligibility to be limited to Rs 15,000.

• Should be for 3 month period • Companies with minimum 50% export turnover maybe eligible Assuming 15 million workers @15,000 Rupees PF @24% for 3 months the cost would be 16200 Cr 15 million workers @15,000 Rupees ESIC @4% for 3 months the cost would be 2700 Cr Total Cost to GOI: Rs 18,900 Cr 3. Additional MEIS on Exports in 2020-21: Countries are providing huge financial support to their exporters.

China has already provided 3% additional Export Tax Rebate on exports in March , 2020 .

Indian exporters should be given additional 2% MEIS and labour intensive sector to be provided additional 4% MEIS on exports upto 31st March 2021. The MEIS should be given without realization as realization will be delayed in such tight liquidity globally. This scrip should be used for payment

Kolkata Port Becomes First State-run Port Trust to Invoke Force Majeure Kolkata

K

Port Wings News Network olkata Port Trust (KoPT) has declared force majeure at its Haldia Dock Complex, becoming the first state-owned major port trust to invoke the clause in the wake of the outbreak of the coronavirus that has roiled trade, says a BusinessLine report.

Most of the private ports and terminals operating in the country have invoked force majeure, a clause that absolves firms from meeting their contractual commitments for reasons beyond their control.

“Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) has considered the COVID-19 pandemic as a natural calamity and invokes force majeure from 06:00 Hrs on 22 March to 06:00 Hrs on 15 April 2020,” A K Mahapatra, General Manager (Traffic) wrote in an April 5 trade circular, a copy of which has been reviewed by Business Line.

On March 24, the shipping ministry had asked all the 11 major port trusts “to consider COVID-19 pandemic as a valid ground for invoking force majeure clause on port activities and port operations also, in as much as obligations under various contracts (involving the major port trusts) are concerned”, to deal with the difficulties faced by stakeholders.

In doing so, the shipping ministry had cited a March 19

office memorandum issued by the finance ministry, clarifying that the COVID-19 pandemic “should be considered as a case of natural calamity that would entitle invocation of force majeure provisions”. KoPT has also decided to waive demurrage charges / rent for all types of cargo and container from 06:00 Hrs on 22 March to 06:00 Hrs on 15 April 2020.

The contractors operating mobile harbour cranes at berth numbers 1, 5, 9 and 14, Haldia floating terminal and container terminal will not be penalized for achieving less productivity than the MLP as per the contract agreement.

Penal berth hire charges will not be levied from the vessel's agent for achieving less productivity at Berth No 10, than the agreed benchmark productivity rate as per the Berthing Policy.

The above period will be exempted from consideration of minimum guaranteed throughput (MGT) period for strategic plans and other similar schemes and way leave licensees as well as for plots allotted on long term basis against MGT commitment. However, the tonnage handled during this period will be considered against the fulfilment of MGT commitment, Mahapatra wrote in the trade circular.

The Federation of Association of Stevedores has been lobbying the

ports trusts to invoke force majeure.

“It is impossible to work the vessels at contracted terms, as ports are not able to supply labour nor provide security to private labour or assist in transportation, accommodation, food or PPEs for the labour,” K V Krishna Kumar, President, Federation of Associations of Stevedores, wrote in a April 4 letter to the Shipping Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

“Vessels meant for major ports are shifting to private ports as private ports have declared force majeure,” he said adding that declaration of force majeure by port trusts will safeguard the interests of importers and exporters and stevedores and handling agents, who are unable to perform as per earlier contracted terms”.

“If force majeure is not declared, it could lead to a huge drain of foreign exchange, huge expenses in international litigation etc, which our country can ill afford,” he added.

Port Trusts have delayed invoking force majeure because “they don’t do everything from stevedoring, loading and unloading to delivery”.

“Private port operators and terminals are invoking force majeure because they are making end-to-end contracts, but we are not into that kind of contracts with stevedores,” said the chairman of a port trust located on India’s eastern coast.

of any statutory levy including GST, Income Tax etc 4. Extension of Interest Equalisation Scheme for all exports: Interest Equalisation Scheme, which lapse on 31st March, 2020, may be reintroduced immediately for all products upto 31st March 2021.

5. Implementation of RBI’s instructions: All Banks (including private/ foreign banks) must implement RBI relief measures announced on 27th March in full and they should not treat is as mere advisory. RBI may also clarify that pre/post shipment credit for exports are in the nature of working capital and thus eligible for concession granted on working capital.

6.

Reduction in GST rates particularly on Hotels, Aviation and Travel &Tour operators: GST rates for these sectors, which are going through the worst phase, to be reduced by 50% for the next 12 months to help these sectors.

7. One Time Amnesty in Advance Authorisation/EPCG/EOU and other default in Customs duties: Amnesty for default in export obligations under Advance, EPCG Authorisation, EOUs by waiving interest and penalty and charging only basic customs duty. The same may be extended to any other dispute in Customs matter.

8. One time amnesty for filing MEIS applications (without any time limit) and transmission of shipping bill with No declaration for MEIS: DGFT must give one time amnesty to all who could not apply or get MEIS due to system failure or minor lapse in shipping bills. Similarly, all Shipping bill

with “No” declaration for MEIS may be allowed to be transmitted by Customs to DGFT for claiming of MEIS to ease liquidity at exporters’ end. It is an established law that major benefit cannot be denied due to minor lapse.

9. RBI may extend the tenure of pre-post shipment credit: All existing pre and post shipment finance in Foreign Currency or Indian Rupee should be extended on maturity by additional 90-180 days on auto route irrespective of the tenure of contract and sanctioned limit. Moreover, no deposit of money be insisted by banks where limit granted in foreign currency is crossed due to Rupee depreciation.

10. Subsidy on air shipments and lowering of CONCOR charges: Provide 50% freight subsidy on air freight to encourage exporters to use air freight to compensate for time loss. CONCOR may also be asked to reduce charges in view of challenging times faced by exporters.

11. Time bound Exports Refund in 15 days: All exports related refund and statutory refunds like Duty Drawback, GST etc should be paid to exporters, including risky exporters , within 15 days so as to ease liquidity at their end. A Bond may be taken from risky exporters so as to recover it, if so warranted.

Sir, we humbly request you to kindly announce a comprehensive package for exports covering the above issues so as to help exporters, many of whom are on the brink of closure.

A helping hand may assist them to revive and bounce back once global situation improve, which is only a matter of time. However, the moot point is as to whether they will survive to see the revival?

Essar Ports’ Cargo Handling Grows

by Over 23 Percent in FY19-20 Mumbai

E

Port Wings News Network ssar’s Ports business, which operates four terminals on the east and west coasts of India, has registered a 23.5% growth in cargo volumes in FY 2019-20, with a throughput of 49.22 million tonnes (MT).

In terms of their fourth quarter performance, the terminals recorded a 4.63% growth in cargo, with a throughput of 11.08 MT. Speaking on the performance, Mr Rajiv Agarwal, MD & CEO, Essar Ports Ltd, said: “Our focus on driving operational efficiencies and optimising operations has helped in recording strong growth. The heightened activity in the Indian economy has helped us consistently surpass the average sectorial growth rate. While the mitigation measures adopted to control the Covid-19 outbreak have given rise to several limitations, the high mechanization at our facilities have enabled them to continue to operate and service customers, thus allowing them to meet the cargo handling requirements of the nation.”

Essar Ports is one of India’s largest private sector port and terminal developers and operators.

It has invested Rs 11,000 crore in developing world-class terminals in three Indian states. Its current operations span four terminals with a combined capacity of 110 MTPA, which is roughly 5 percent of India’s port capacity. The Company is a leader in the non-containerised bulk cargo space.

All Essar Ports terminals are equipped with advanced cargo handling infrastructure and are well poised to double capacity in the near to medium term. The Company is working in tandem with the Government of India to meet its ambitious target of becoming US $5 billion economy.

Outside India, Essar’s ports business operates an oil terminal in Stanlow, United Kingdom, and has a coal berth in the development stage at Mozambique’s Beira port.

Apr. 15th - 21st Issue

JNPT Stands Operational, Extends all Possible Support to Stakeholders of JNPort Ecosystem

A

Mumbai

Port Wings News Network s per directives from the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India, the port sector has been declared as essential services, for maintaining of supply chain link within the country. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), India’s premier container port falls within the ambit of essential services and all terminals of JNPT continues to remain operational.

JN Port authorities have ensured free movement of container from/to CFSs & Port by getting the requisite amendments in the Prohibition Orders issued by Central & State Govt and by this various other agencies such as Shipping Lines, Container Fright Stations (CFSs), Custom House Agents (CHAs), Transporters, CONCOR, Private Container Train Operators, Truck Transporters, BPCL Liquid Cargo Jetty & associated Tank Farms, Empty Yard Operators, Partner Government Agencies like FSSAI, Plant Quarantine linked to Port Operations remain operational and continue to operate as per schedule to help the port perform its duties during these difficult times.

JNPT has also taken some proactive measures at JNPCT and extended reliefs to the trade in order to support Port users and end users like - No dwell time charges will be levied for all import containers moved by road (CFS/DPD/Empty) which were discharged from 22.03.2020 till 14.04.2020; No shifting charges levied for import containers for which change of mode activity (from truck to rail) is performed to facilitate movement of CFS/ DPD containers by Rail and Delivery of DPD containers will be allowed from Terminals beyond the 48 hour period.

Port has provided accommodation for the staff of terminals, drivers etc. in Port township, Free Bus Service for the staff of essential services stakeholders for movement in the port area and CFSs, Empty Yards along with the drivers being provided with meal packets and water at the parking plazas.

JN Port is equipped with enough storage capacity and can store the containers beyond the free period to keep the movement of cargo hassle free.

This has resulted in ZERO congestion at the port and has helped in protecting the trade

channel from any disruption. Port has also set up a control room for resolving issues faced

by Port customers, they can reach at 02227244077/67814022 between 8am to 8pm or email controlroom@jnport.gov.in. As a result of above efforts all the five containers and a liquid terminal are functioning smoothly and the movement of containers to/from CFSs has crossed 8000 TEUs plus as on 31st March.

Shri Sanjay Sethi, IAS, Chairman, JNPT said, “The Novel Coronavirus is one of the biggest challenges that our economy is facing.

The perseverance of our employees and the support of all stakeholders over the last couple of weeks, shows our commitment towards ensuring that trade doesn’t come to a standstill.

I hope, together as a nation we will come out from this crisis and emerge stronger”.

The port also joined the fight against COVID-19 pandemic by contributing Rs. 16.40 Crore as CSR fund along with one day's salary to ‘Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund’ (PM CARES Fund) which has been created to provide relief to Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic affected people.

The port has undertaken several preventive measures to equip and protect its workforce against respiratory viruses and other potential diseases. Social distancing measures are being followed in the work areas, and overcrowding has been restricted. JNPT Hospital has also implemented several infection control, prevention, and preparedness measures for COVID 19 disease. The hospital has regular interactions with local and district health authorities, providing all possible support extended to them. JNPT hospital also set up an 18-bed quarantine centre right from the beginning of the pandemic and caters to persons requiring to be observed for the disease, especially seamen. Home quarantine is also being done for asymptomatic persons with recent history of travel with proper stamping and monitoring. The JNPT Officers’ Club has also been converted into a 20 bedded JNPT COVID 19 isolation facility. The hospital has tied up with approved laboratories for testing and records are maintained for all suspect patients.

Port is also carrying out extensive community disinfectant spraying and sanitation drive in all its nearby villages too to help put a strong fight against COVID 19.

Mahindra Logistics’ ALYTE Launches Free Emergency Cab Services to Support Fight Against Covid-19

A

Chennai

Port Wings News Network fter successfully launching this free service in Hyderabad, Mahindra Logistics (MLL), one of India's largest 3PL solution providers, on 11 April 2020 announced that its enterprise mobility

business, Alyte will provide emergency cab services for those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in the city.

Alyte will provide these services through a dedicated fleet focused on senior citizens, disabled individuals, expecting mothers etc., who are unable to secure transport for essential services like shopping essentials & medication, visits to Banks, Post offices and

periodic medical visits. They will also provide these services to doctors, nurses and others involved in providing essential services.

Interested groups may contact Mahindra Logistics’ dedicated helpline to access the same.

The service started today in the city and will operate 24x7 in close collaboration with Bidhannagar Commissionarate, within the limits of Kolkata, Howrah and Hoogly.

Mr. Rampraveen Swaminathan, Managing Director and CEO, Mahindra Logistics Ltd. said, "These are difficult and unprecedented times for our society.

It requires a combined effort from all the stakeholders to combat the crisis.

Government has been taking commendable actions to fight this and with the support from the Kolkata police, we will continue to support these efforts in all the possible manner. During this period, we have found that people are struggling with transport during emergency requirements. This service will help provide a solution with cars which meet all our standards of hygiene, sanitization and safety.

We encourage members of the community to maintain strict social distancing and venture out only when absolutely required."

5

Tirupur Exporters' Association Appeals To PM Modi For Reopening of Sampling Units

T

Chennai

Port Wings News Network irupur Exporters' Association (TEA) has appealed to the Union Government (Centre) for reopening of sampling units in Tirupur Cluster to fulfill the requirements of buyers and small stores in USA, UK & EU Countries.

In a media statement, Shri. Raja M Shanmugham, President, TEA, stated that failure in sending in sample will drive away the buyers to our competing countries, China, Bangladesh, Vietnam as they have already given permission to their garment sector to reopen the units and without orders Tirupur will totally crippled for another six months.

He added that the need of the hour is to send Samples, immediately and then the buyers will give approval and place orders for Spring Summer Season.

Below is the reproduction of memorandum sent to the Prime Minister's Office with a subject "Requisition To Permit For Opening Of Sampling Units – Reg" We would like to thank the Hon'ble Prime Minister for taking unstinted efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19 Pandemic.

We appreciate three pronged strategies being taken simultaneously to protect downtrodden people, Migrant workers and Industries.

Sir, Tirupur knitwear cluster is exporting Rs.26,000 Crores worth of knitwear garments annually, and providing employment to Six

lakh workers directly and Two lakh workers indirectly.

We would like to drive home the point that our competing Nations like China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Cambodia and Pakistan have already started functioning and in track in supplying garment to the needy buyers, Small Stores in EU, UK & USA. We wish to note that some buyers, Small Stores in EU, UK & USA have been asking our exporters to send Spring Summer Sample to give approval and place the orders for shipment.

At this crucial period, it is paramount importance for opening of the sampling units with less than 50 workers to prepare sample and also giving permission for opening of preparatory processing units like Knitting, Dyeing, Compacting, Calendaring etc., which can be operated with phased manner after ensuring Social distancing and providing Mask, Disinfectant etc., Our apprehension is the any delay in giving permission for commencement of sample preparation in Sampling units would lead to a disastrous impact on Tirupur Cluster and the cluster will become standstill for another six months that will lead to a loss of employment to the workers in huge numbers.

Considering the gravity of situation, may we request the Hon'ble Prime Minister to advice for giving permission to reopen sampling units on priority basis and protect cluster like Tirupur.

Yours faithfully Raja M Shanmugham, President, TEA

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6

Vessel Position at Terminals - (15.04.2020 To 22.04.2020)

Apr. 15th - 21st Issue

7

CITPL - Chennai

CCTL - Chennai ETA

ETD

Service

Vessel Name

Voy

Agent/Line

Calling Ports

ETA

ETD

Service

Vessel Name

Voy

Agent/Line

Calling Ports

14/04

15/04

SIF

SPIRIT OF MUMBAI

16

MSC1

Colombo

15/04

16/04

MD1

TRF KAYA

1665E

BTL

14/04

15/04

ADHOC

GALA

720

HFC

Nhava Shiva,Mundra, Khor Al Fakkan, Port Klang, Singapore, Shanghai

Krishnapatnam, West Port Klang , Singapore, Cailan- Busan, Ulsan, Shanghai, Ningbo, Yantian

18/04

19/04

FME

TABEA

2003E

KTC

Port Klang, Singapore, Manila, Pusan, Shanghai, Hong Kong

20/04

21/04

TCXNEW

GLEN CANYON BRIDGE

107

ONE

Chennai WestPort Klang, North Port Klang, Singapore, Laem Chabang

DAKSHINBHARATH GATEWAY TERMINAL / Tuticorin ETA

ETD

Service

Vessel Name

Voy

Agent/Line

Calling Ports

16/04

17/04

TUX

MV.OEL SHRAVAN

20024

TWF

COLOMBO, TUTICORIN, COLOMBO

14/04

15/04

BOX

MV.XPRESS MAHANANDHA

20129S

BOX

COLOMBO, TUTICORIN, COLOMBO

20130S

BOX

COLOMBO, TUTICORIN, COLOMBO

122S

FAR SHIPPING

COLOMBO, TUTICORIN, COLOMBO

17/04

18/04

BOX

MV.XPRESS MAHANANDHA

18/04

19/04

CTS

MV.VALADIVOSTOK

NCT, Krishnapatnam ETA

ETD

Service

Vessel Name

Voy

Agent/Line

Calling Ports

14/04

15/04

ACS

Hyundai Prestige

71E

Hyundai, RCL & XCL

Krishnapatnam, West Port Klang, Singapore, Cailan- Busan, Ulsan, Shanghai, Ningbo, Yantian

19/04

20/04

ACS

Hyundai Platinum

60E

Hyundai, RCL & XCL

Krishnapatnam, West Port Klang, Singapore, Cailan- Busan, Ulsan, Shanghai, Ningbo, Yantian

20/04

21/04

CHX

Tianjin Bridge

017E

Maersk & Safmarine

Ennore, Krishnapatnam, Visakhapatnam, Tanjung Pelepas, Xingang, Qingdao

Hapag, ONE, COSCO, OOCL

Colombo, Damietta Piraes Rotterdam, London

Kattupalli ETA

ETD

Service

Vessel Name

Voy

Agent/Line

Calling Ports

14/04

15/04

C13

WAN HAI 516

046W

WAN

Tuticorin, cochin, Pipava, Kandla, Jebel ali

19/04

20/04

IEX

MOL Guardian

003E

19/04

20/04

CCG

VARADA

23

SIM

Cochin , Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Jebel Ali, Bandar Abbas, Dammam

18/04

19/04

COASTAL

SSL Sabaramalai

58

Colombo

19/04

20/04

TCX

GLEN CANYON BRIDGE

107

ONE

Chennai WestPort Klang, North Port Klang, Singapore, Laem Chabang

18/04

19/04

COASTAL

SSL Chennai

151

Colombo

21/04

22/04

ECX

SSL Visakhapatnam

103

Haldia, Paradip

20/04

21/04

SHTL

MEXICO

2012

MSK

18/04

19/04

MEARSK SHUTTLE

Maersk Kentucky

2012

21/04

22/04

C13

OOCL SAVANNAH

391

OIL

Tuticorin, cochin, Pipava, Kandla, Jebel ali

Kakinada Container Terminal ETA

ETD

Service

Vessel Name

Voy

Agent/Line

Calling Ports

15/04

16/04

KAK>IXZ

TCI SURYA

703

BOTHRA SHIPG

15/04

16/04

KAK>CMB

KAPITAN AFANASYEV

102S

FAR SHIPPING

Halida, Colombo

NSICT - Mumbai ETA

ETD

Service

Vessel Name

15/04

16/04

GIX

SCIO SKY

Voy

Agent/Line

Calling Ports

PRD

Port Elizabeth, Durban, Port Louis, Jebel Ali, Mundra, JNPT, Colombo Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Valencia, New York, Norfolk, Charleston, Savannah, Freeport

16/04

17/04

INDUS

AGAMEMNON

MSC

16/04

17/04

BMM

VIRGO

EMS

16/04

17/04

BMM

LIBRA

EMS

19/04

20/04

MECL

MAERSK COLUMBUS

MSK

Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Valencia, New York, Norfolk, Charleston, Savannah, Freeport

20/04

21/04

IEX

SONGA ANTOFAGASTA

SBG

Colombo, Damietta Piraes Rotterdam, London

20/04

21/04

MWE

HANSA AMERICA

MSK

21/04

22/04

IIX

NEGAR

RIS

22/04

23/04

MESAWA

KMARIN AQUA

MSK

Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Valencia, New York, Norfolk, Charleston, Savannah, Freeport

APM Terminal - Mumbai ETA

ETD

Service

Vessel Name

12-4

13/04

CIX3

12-4

13/04

14/04

Voy

Agent/Line

Calling Ports

APL VANCOUER

GLD

Jebel Ali, Mundra, Hazira, Nhava Sheva

TIP

MOL GLOBE

ONE

Jebel Ali, Mundra, Hazira, Nhava Sheva

15/04

CIX

ITAL LUNARE

EGI

Pipavav, Hazira, JNPT, Jebel Ali, Salalah, Port Said, Mersin, Ambarli Port, Izmlt Korfezi, Novorosslysk

14/04

15/04

CWI

E R FELIXSTOWE

KMD

Pipavav, Hazira, JNPT, Jebel Ali, Salalah, Port Said, Mersin, Ambarli Port, Izmlt Korfezi, Novorosslysk

15/04

15/04

ME3

MAERSK KAMPALA

MSK

Port Qasim, Nhava Sheva, Pipavav, Colombo, T.Pelepas, Tanjung, Singapore, Hong Kong, Ningbo, Pusan, Kwangyang, Qingdao, Dalian, Xingang

16/04

17/04

MINA

CMA CGM RABELAIS

CCA

Pipavav, Port Klang, Singapore, Shangai, Ningbo, Xiamen

18/04

19/04

FM3

MAERSK STOCKHOLM

MSK

Pipavav, Hazira, JNPT, Jebel Ali, Salalah, Port Said, Mersin, Ambarli Port, Izmlt Korfezi, Novorosslysk

As the data is received by us, sometimes even at the eleventh hour by telephonic messages from the concerned Steamer Agents, there is every likelihood of last minute changes in the data published for which and also for the printing errors occuring the Management of Port Wings is not responsible or liable.

Maersk & Safmarine,XCL

Colombo, Salalah

Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal ETA

ETD

Service

Vessel Name

Voy

Agent/Line

Calling Ports

15/04

16/04

CIX

HYUNDAI MERCURY

K1784

HMM

SHA, KAN, SIN, NGB, PUS, DCB, SHK, PKG, MUN, KHI, HZA

17/04

17/04

SWAX

BERMUDA

L0020

CMA

DAR,JEC,JEA,MUN,MBA

18/04

19/04

EPIC2

SOUTHAMPTON EXPRESS

K1779

HLI

TNG, JED, MUN, LEH, LGP, HAM, ANR, RTM

19/04

20/04

AACI

COSCO TAICANG

L0033

COS

LGB,OAK, CMB, NGB, LCH, SHA, HPH

21/04

21/04

SWAX

JOGELA

K1778

HLI

DAR, JEC, JEA, MUN, MBA

CIX

HYUNDAI VANCOUVER

L0028

HMM

PUS, NGB, SHK, KAN, SHA, DCB, SIN, PKG, KHI, MUN

THE Alliance Announces COVID-19 Response Measures for May and June 2020

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Chennai

Port Wings News Network ollowing the global outbreak of COVID-19, the members of THE Alliance have revised schedules for May and June to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic. The details of the blank sailings are announced as per below in response to lower market demand due to the spread of the virus.

Asia and North Europe FE2 and FE4 loops will be merged from week 19 to week 26, the combined service will be named as FE2, and its rotation will be as follows: Pusan – Shanghai - Ningbo - Yantian Singapore – (North Continent ports rotation subject to berth window availability) Singapore – Pusan Asia and the Mediterranean Week 19 – MD1 and MD3 void Week 20 – MD2 void Week 21 – MD1 void Week 22 – MD2 and MD3 void Week 23 – MD1 void Week 24 – MD2 and MD3 void Week 25 – MD1 void Week 26 – MD2 void Transpacific – West Coast Week 19 – PS3, PN3 and PN4 void Week 20 – PS4 void Week 21 – PS3, PN3 and PN4 void Week 22 – PS4 void Week 23 – PS3, PN3 and PN4 void Week 24 – PS4 void Week 25 – PS3, PN3 and PN4 void Week 26 – PS4 void PS5 will be suspended from week 19 until

week 26.

Transpacific – East Coast (via Panama and Suez Canals) EC3 remains merged with EC1 through week 19 to week 26.

Asia and Middle East AG1 and AG3 loops will be merged from week 19 to week 26, the combined service will be named as AG3, and its rotation will be as follows: Qingdao – Pusan – Shanghai – Ningbo – Kaohsiung – Shekou – Singapore – Jebel Ali – Dammam – Hamad – Jubail – Abu Dhabi – Sohar – Port Kelang – Singapore – Hong Kong – Qingdao In addition, in the AG2 a Westbound direct call to Xiamen port will be added from week 19 to week 26 with the latest rotation as follows: Shanghai – Ningbo – Xiamen – Shekou – Port Kelang – Jebel Ali – Hamad – Umm Qasr – Hamad – Jebel Ali – Singapore – Shanghai Despite the above-mentioned adjustments, the members of THE Alliance are committed to deliver reliable services to our respective customers and provide alternative solutions to keep supply chains moving. The affected services are expected to resume normal operation dependent on market conditions.

THE Alliance will continue to closely monitor the situation of the pandemic and respond effectively. During these uncertain times, THE Alliance will continue to seek every possible means to protect the interests of our respective clients, vendors, and employees. We appreciate your continued support and understanding through these challenging times. Let us manage this crisis jointly and stand together.

Apr. 15th - 21st Issue

Lockdown Extension: FIEO Expresses Disappointment Over Deferment of Selective Opening of Industries New Delhi Port Wings News Network eacting to the announcement made by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 14 April regarding the extension of the lockdown till 3 May and the adoption of a 7-point charter by each citizen, Mr Sharad Kumar Saraf expressed his disappointment with the deferment of the decision to extend the selective opening of the manufacturing sector, particularly regarding exports.

Non-adherence to the delivery schedule for exports will result in cancellation, penalties and market loss, besides the business

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loss to enterprises. The exporters, particularly MSME exporters, have no liquidity to pay wages for the month of April as they are unable to conduct any business activity during the lockdown.

COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC PACKAGE MAY BE ANNOUNCED He also said that the shifting of the goalpost will not help in avoiding the stark realities which we have to face whenever we open. The start of selective manufacturing will also be a long drawn battle due to the unavailability of labour, raw material, transport etc. which will resume normalcy only after a few months of selective opening. Even countries such as Spain, one of the worst affected nations, have

started opening the economy to bring it on track.

President FIEO demanded that a comprehensive economic package may be announced to help the economy, with interest free credit to cover six months of wages, rental and utilities along with a moratorium to repay in installments after six months. Without such support, the government should not expect the industry to pay wages during the lockdown and any coercive action to bring about the same will only be counterproductive.

Mr Saraf said that he salutes the export community, which despite such loss and bleak future, is providing groceries, masks and medical help to the community, particularly the poor sections, as urged by the Prime Minister.

Logistics Costs Set to Rise as Freighters Hike Tariffs Mumbai

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Port Wings News Network ruckers and transporters are increasing prices by as much as 80% and freighter operators are adding surcharges for transportation of goods as they grapple with regulatory challenges, shortage of manpower and a huge slump in supply, according to an ET report.

This will increase logistics costs for companies and likely in products as well, industry executives said.

Truckers have increased tariffs by up to 80%, said people aware of the matter. Blue Dart has implemented a 25% emergency situation surcharge (ESS). Air India said it will increase freight charges by 90% per kilo if it doesn’t have sufficient cargo to ferry.

“Truck rentals have shot up for essential items such as fruits and vegetables despite a waiver of toll fee, motor vehicle taxes and some other incentives such as deferment of EMIs on truck loans,” said SP Singh, a senior fellow at the Indian Foundation of Transport Research and Training.

Ashok Walunj, a director at the Agriculture Produce Market Committee in Maharashtra, said most truckers get to ferry cargo only one way and return with empty trucks. He said the increase in Maharashtra is only 20%.

Manpower shortage is another reason. Up to 1.5 million of 5 million truck drivers in India are not coming to work.

Last week, India’s transport ministry officials had a meeting with trucking associations to take stock of their problems. Among other things, transporters have demanded that truckers who have to drive in these conditions should be given an insurance cover of over Rs 25 lakh, said Bal Malkit Singh, a senior member of All India Motor Transport Congress, a lobbying body.

On 12 April, a directive from the home ministry said all transport of essential and non-essential goods should be allowed unhindered if the driver has a licence; empty trucks should be allowed to pass; local authorities should facilitate the movement of workers from their homes to hubs and vehicles; MSMEs dealing in essential items should be allowed to function without any obstacle and so should warehouse and cold storage facilities.

SR Sharda, executive director at logistics company Safexpress, said while this increase will taper off once the lockdown curbs are eased, it will still increase logistics costs by 25%, likely leading to an increase in prices of essentials.

“Even after the lockdown is lifted, we will be grappling with

limited manpower, short supply due to lower production in factories and lower demand due to an overall negative sentiment and slowdown,” he said.

The 21-day countrywide lockdown implemented by the government on March 25 created a logjam of vehicles across the country.

Most transporters were stopped by the police and were unable to ship essentials. This led to a temporary shutdown of warehouses.

A directive from the home ministry eased the problems for transporters to an extent. But logistics companies continue to face issues, especially in transporting to states such as Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, said Abhik Mittra, managing director of Spoton Logistics.

A spokesperson at Blue Dart confirmed it is levying an ESS fee of 25% for its contracted customers.

On the retail desk, however, it is offering a 25% discount, he said, adding this would benefit smaller companies, including those making masks and personal protective equipment.

State-run carrier Air India, which is ferrying essentials across the country and from China, said it would increase its per kilo tariff to Rs 475 from Rs 250 for freighter flights from Hong Kong and Shanghai if there was insufficient cargo.

Russian Railways, DB Cargo Launch New Multimodal Route for Cargo Shipping From China to Europe Chennai Port Wings News Network ussian Railways, JSC UTLC ERA, and DB Cargo (Germany) have launched a transit service for delivering goods from China to Europe through the Kaliningrad Sea Commercial Port.

This intermodal chain follows the route Xi'an (China)-KaliningradRostock (Germany)-Duisburg (Germany).

A test train left Xi'an on 25 March and, after traveling the UTLC EPA rail route, arrived at the Kaliningrad Marshalling Yard on 5 April.

It consists of forty-nine 40foot containers with consumer goods. After being reloaded in the Kaliningrad Sea Commercial Port, the train was sent by sea to the port of Rostock on the same day.

According to calculations, the total delivery time on the new multimodal route will be no more

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than 14 days, as opposed to the ~45 days it takes to ship by sea.

The Xi'an-Duisburg route through the port in Kaliningrad is expected to become a permanent shipping artery. In April of this year, it is planned to send five trains from China to Europe and five trains in the opposite direction as part of this project.

Russian Railways Is Lowering Prices for Shipping Empty Containers from Europe to China The management board of Russian Railways, chaired by General Director Oleg Belozerov, has reduced the rates for transiting empty 40- and 45-foot universal containers from third countries to China by up to 40%.

When crossing the BelarusPolish border, prices will be as follows: 288 CHF (swiss franc) for the Krasnoe-Kanisai route and 357 CHF (swiss franc) for the KrasnoyeKartaly route.

When shipping empty containers through the Russian-Polish border crossings and Baltic port stations in Russia, the route Zheleznodorozhny/ Mamonovo/Baltic port stations in Russia-ChernyshevskoyeKrasnoye-Kanisay will cost 288 CHF (swiss franc); the route Zheleznodorozhny/Mamonovo/ Baltic port stations in RussiaChernyshevskoye-KrasnoyeKartaly will cost 357 CHF (swiss franc). This reduces tariffs by 40%.

These discounts are aimed at balancing container flows between the east and west. The transportation of loaded containers on the ChinaEurope-China route in March 2020 increased 33.4% to 28,500 TEU, but the shipment of empty containers, mainly from Europe to China, decreased almost 70% to 1,000 TEU. Depending on the dynamics of transportation later on, the special tariffs may be extended until the end of 2020.

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NEWS - BITS ABP Increases Capacity To Store Refrigerated Containers At The Port Of Hull ABP has grown its capacity to store refrigerated containers at the Port of Hull.

The installation of two new Reefer Gantries at the Humber Container Terminal on the port has now been completed. The Reefer Gantries have increased the terminal’s capacity by an additional 64 reefers Reefers are refrigerated containers which are used to transport perishable goods. Reefers use an integral refrigeration unit that keeps the goods inside at an optimum temperature. The unit is supplied with power from the vessel or vehicle during transit, and upon reaching the port it is transferred to the Reefer Gantry which supplies power to the unit whilst the reefer awaits onward shipment. The two new Reefer Gantries allows reefers on the terminal to be stacked four high, enabling the terminal to save valuable ground space, that in turn increases its storage capacity for other types of containers. As the COVID-19 crisis continues, now more than ever this expansion will help support the flow of perishable goods into the UK such as food and medicine.

The works cost in the region of £500k and were carried out by engineering solutions specialist C Spencer Ltd, who subcontracted the fabrication of the steelwork for the gantries to Riley Engineering. This investment is set to benefit ABP customers, BG Freight Line, I – MOTION Shipping, and SAMSKIP, and will help to reduce the reliance on third party generators.

BAM Nuttall Signs Contract For New Falkland Island Port

The Falkland Islands Government announced on Monday that it has completed and signed a contract with BAM Nuttall for the design and build of a new port in Stanley Harbor, the company said in its release. It follows the announcement in February 2020 that BAM Nuttall had been selected as development partner after an extensive global procurement process.

Development and Commercial Services portfolio holder of The Falkland Islands Government, MLA Dr Barry Elsby, welcomed the contract signing.

“Whilst COVID-19 may be dominating our thoughts at this time, we will be ready to start work with BAM Nuttall on the first steps towards delivering this vital national infrastructure once the restrictions related to COVID-19 are lifted. The absolute need for a new port to support our fishing and other industries remains.” Due to the current circumstances, stakeholder engagement with key industry sectors will not begin immediately. The situation will be kept under review, with a view to starting as soon as practicable.

The new facility will be in the vicinity of the current port in Stanley Harbor, offering new facilities that will benefit key users in the fishing, tourism and shipping sectors, as well as many other parts of the economy.

Nakhodka Ship Repair Yard Starts Cutting Steel For First Crab Catching Ship

NSRY, Nakhodka Primorsky Territory started cutting steel for the first crab catching ship, the shipbuilding company says in a press release. The resident of the Free Port of Vladivostok, the shipyard has never built crab catchers before.

Nakhodka Ship Repair Yard earlier signed the agreements on construction of nine crab catchers with winners of crab auctions. According to the approved schedule, the first two ships are to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2022. The maintenance customer of the shipyard under these agreements is Antey LLC (a company of Antey Group headquartered in Vladivostok).

The agreement on implementation of investment project signed by Antey, NSRY and Agency of Direct Investments during the 5th Vladivostok Economic Forum foresees the construction of a series of fishing ships.

The law on “quotas in exchange for investment” was drafted in pursuance of Russian President’s instructions. The law is aimed at using money earned from fishery on construction of new plants and ships.

CUSTOMS EXCHANGE RATES Notification No.37/2020 (N.T.) ALL RATES PER UNIT

FOREIGN CURRENCY Australian Dollar Bahraini Dinar Canadian Dollar Chinese Yuan Danish Kroner EURO Hong Kong Dollar Kuwaiti Dinar New Zealand Dollar Norwegian Kroner Pound Sterling Qatari Riyal Saudi Arabian Riyal Singapore Dollar South African Rand Swedish Kroner Swiss Franc Turkish Lira UAE Dirham US Dollar Japanese Yen Korean Won

with effect from 2nd April 2020

RATE (INR) Import Export 47.80 203.05 54.20 10.80 11.35 84.75 9.90 247.90 46.75 7.30 94.85 21.40 20.75 53.95 4.35 7.65 80.20 11.85 21.20 76.35 70.95 6.40

45.65 197.60 52.40 10.50 10.95 81.75 9.55 232.25 44.55 7.05 91.55 20.10 19.45 52.15 4.05 7.40 77.10 11.15 19.90 74.65 68.35 6.00

We are not responsible for any mistake. ALL RATES ARE PROVISIONAL. The rates in these column are only meant for guidance.

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RNI No. TNENG/2014/59741 Postal Registration No. TN/CNIGPO/067/2018-2020 Posted at Pathrika Channel, Egmore, RMS, Chennai-8.

Date of Publication - Wednesday, Posted on Tuesday / Wednesday

AET, TOTAL Agree Time Charter for Two LNG Dual-fuel VLCCs Chennai

Port Wings News Network ET, a leading energy logistics provider, on 7 April 2020 announced agreement with Chartering and Shipping Services SA, (a wholly owned subsidiary of Total SA) for the time charter of two LNG dual-fuel VLCCs. The two newbuilds are scheduled to be delivered to AET from Q1 2022.

Making the announcement, Mr Yee Yang Chien, Chairman of AET and President/Group CEO of MISC Berhad said: “AET is MISC Group’s wholly owned petroleum shipping subsidiary and today’s agreement cements its global position as a world class energy logistics provider. We subscribe to a robust sustainability agenda which reaches into all corners of our business and includes a commitment to protect the natural environment alongside a strong focus on maintaining business stability and continuity. Today’s agreement with Total takes us a step further in delivering on that agenda.

As a Group, we took early and bold decisions to invest in LNG dual-fuel vessels and I am pleased to see the industry responding so positively to our strategy. I am delighted we have made this agreement with Total and I’d like to thank them for their confidence in AET”.

The two newbuilds will be powered by LNG and will be amongst the most environmentally friendly VLCCs in the market.

When in service, they will emit around 20% less CO2 greenhouse gases than conventional vessels; 85% less NOx and 99% less SOx. In addition, 99% fewer fine particles will be released. Immediately, these

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vessels comply with IMO Tier III levels, IMO 2020 sulphur cap and represent a significant step towards the IMO’s ambition to reduce

carbon emissions by 50% by 2050 from a 2008 baseline.

Mr Luc Gillet, Senior Vice President of Total Shipping & Trading commented: “Total is committed to safely deliver energy while reducing its impact on the natural environment and we continuously explore all elements of our business, including our supply chain partners, to ensure minimum emissions. We seek partners who share this commitment and I’m pleased that AET continues to innovate and take a leadership approach to operating in the cleanest way possible. We’ve partnered with AET for many years and today’s signing is the next logical step in our continuing relationship”.

Capt. Rajalingam Subramaniam, President & CEO, AET, said: “AET is investing to build efficiency in our partners’ energy logistics activities and this includes assisting them to meet their environmental targets. Today’s collaboration is a further example of our commitment towards Environmental, Social and

Corporate Governance as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We were among the industry leaders in building and operating LNG-powered Aframax vessels and dynamic positioning shuttle tankers and these two new ships will be our first LNG dual-fuel VLCCs." C a p t .

Rajalingam Subramaniam stated: "We continue to innovate and pioneer new technologies to ensure we achieve, or exceed, the IMO’s GHG strategy obligations including meeting our own internal aspiration of reaching IMO’s 2030 carbon reduction goals by 2025. These new vessels clearly demonstrate our philosophy that commercial viability coupled with environmental sustainability is possible; and shows how AET continues to “move energy to build a better world”.

"I would like to thank Total for partnering in this innovative environmental solution and for furthering our relationship in many segments of our business.

Total has joined a select group of energy majors who have shown significant leadership in reducing the carbon footprint of safe and environmentally friendly energy transportation,” added Capt.

Rajalingam Subramaniam.

AET currently operates two LNG dual-fuel Aframax vessels and two LNG dual-fuel Dynamic Positioning Shuttle Tankers within its global fleet.

WMU Calls on Global Maritime, Ocean Communities To Come Together To Protect Seafarers’ Rights Chennai

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Port Wings News Network s the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) apex institution for maritime and ocean education, the World Maritime University (WMU) adds its voice to widespread concerns over the serious effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health, wellbeing, and safety of seafarers.

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS & FINANCIAL LOSSES HITTING SHIPPING & OCEANRELATED INDUSTRIES HARD As countries around the world retreat to fight the pandemic, travel restrictions and financial losses are hitting shipping and other oceanrelated industries hard. At sea, maritime workers are bearing the brunt of this global humanitarian crisis.

Echoing the messages contained in IMO circular letter 4204 and the statement issued by the Officers of the Special Tripartite Committee of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006), WMU urges relevant national authorities, in particular port and flag State authorities as well as labour-supplying countries, to designate seafarers as key workers and adopt prompt and effective measures that ensure their rights to health and repatriation.

While the disruption in national economies caused by the pandemic is already inestimable, the magnitude of this crisis would even be more severe if not for the commitment of the estimated two million seafarers who continued to provide strategic transport services.

Their rights as essential workers cannot be forgotten especially in the midst of the state of emergency declared in many countries around

the world.

The World Maritime University calls on the global maritime and ocean communities to come together and join forces to protect seafarers’ rights. WMU urges them to stay vigilant and react promptly, to tackle the infringement of basic rights and to ensure access to necessities such as medical supplies, fuel, water, spare parts and provisions to ships.

Protective equipment is as essential on board as it is ashore. National authorities and employers alike must ensure the strict implementation of appropriate occupational health promotion measures on board.

DENIAL OF ACCESS TO SHORE-BASED MEDICAL FACILITIES The denial of access to shorebased medical facilities is especially disturbing in these challenging times. Access to a safe port is a longstanding international obligation and compliance is even more important in these unprecedented circumstances. National authorities must cooperate with employers to secure prompt medical assistance on board and ashore.

Full cooperation is necessary to relax travel restrictions on seafarers.

Crew changes have become a serious issue. Shipping companies are forced to minimize crew travel in order to prevent seafarers from being stranded in transit facilities without any assistance. While this might be an extraordinary preventative measure, it entails further occupational risks as it implies a longer stay on board than agreed, thus increasing the risk of fatigue and poor mental health.

Support for seafarer repatriation efforts must also be intensified.

Travel restrictions and financial losses are significantly increasing the risk of abandonment. Abandonment fears have already triggered the launch of a charity crowdfunding campaign by the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), to reinforce their Seafarers Emergency Fund and respond to increased calls to their Seafarers Help hotline. While initiatives by welfare organizations are appreciated, shipowners are reminded that repatriation and payment of wages are primarily their responsibility.

As the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) SecretaryGeneral and WMU Chancellor Kitack Lim stated on 19 March: “…We must also remember the hundreds of thousands of seafarers on ships. They are, unwittingly, on the front line of this global calamity.

Their professionalism ensures that the goods we all need are delivered – safely and with minimal impact on our precious environment. These are people, usually far from home and family. Their own health and welfare is as important as that of anyone else.”

Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President of WMU stated: “The world’s seafarers are indispensable to international trade. They are the lifeblood of the maritime industry and without them the food we eat, the clothes we wear, and all the many things we take for granted would not be possible. In times of crises like COVID-19, Governments must ensure that seafarers can transit, transfer and join ships in ports around the world so that shipping can continue to provide the world with the goods including urgent medical equipment that countries need.”

Apr. 15th - 21st Issue

Coronavirus Could Accelerate Digitalisation in Shipping Industry: Port of Gothenburg Authority Chennai

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Port Wings News Network hen physical contact between members of the crew on board ship and workers at the quayside needs to be kept to a minimum, new routines are required – and quickly.

At the Port of Gothenburg there are clear indications of how the Corona pandemic could accelerate digitalisation in what is an otherwise conservative shipping industry.

Johan Östlund, chief officer on board the vessel Ternvag, and his crew have just berthed. Energy products are being loaded for onward export to Finland. New times, new challenges. Widespread reluctance in many countries to allow crews to go ashore is matched by the reluctance among ships’ crews to receive visitors on board.

“At the quayside, Dan-Erik Andersson, Chief Operating Officer at the Energy Port in Gothenburg, is ready and waiting. His remit is to ensure the visit by Ternvag proceeds efficiently and safely.

“Loading and discharge are traditionally based on human contact. It’s quick and the entire system has been refined over the years. Changing the whole structure so quickly may result in a loss of time and momentum. However, by introducing new routines and new systems, and ensuring more tasks are carried out simultaneously rather than consecutively, we can probably become more efficient in the long run,” said Dan-Erik Andersson.

Johan Östlund agrees with his assessment: “There’s obviously quite a lot of development potential for the future. It’s in everyone’s interests if calls by vessels are quick, efficient and safe.”

Digitalisation a top priority at the Port of Gothenburg Increased automation and digitalisation is a top priority at the Port of Gothenburg. The majority of the initiatives that have already been introduced have proved to be

particularly constructive during the Corona pandemic. The digital system Permesso, which was introduced in 2019, has resulted in a significant reduction in administration and face-to-face contact when issuing work permits to contractors. The automatic gates for trucks introduced

by APM Terminals at the Container Terminal are another example of a more efficient operating procedure, reducing the need for physical interaction.

Malin Collin, Deputy CEO at the Gothenburg Port Authority, is responsible for the digitalisation process. She states that extensive digital changes at the port will be introduced within the near future and could make a substantial difference.

According to Malin Collin, it is largely a question of improving efficiency and visualising freight flows and traffic movements to and from the port. “This is one of the most critical issues and we have dedicated resources to finding a solution. We are currently examining how artificial intelligence can make use of historical data to predict events and speed up the decision-making process. We can improve planning through datadriven decisions, identifying trends, and predicting events. By doing so we can create a platform for more efficient freight flows and transport movements on land and at sea.”

She states that enhanced digitalisation will benefit everyone.

Nevertheless, if it is to produce the desired outcome, more people in the transport chain need to link into common systems and share information with each other.

“My impression is that the level of acceptance is rising, particularly now we are faced with the Corona crisis. But someone needs to take the initiative, act as a driving force, and offer effective alternatives that more people want to adopt. At the Gothenburg Port Authority, we are only too willing to lead the way and that's why we are devoting so much time and resources to digital development."

Gangavaram Port Contributes Rs. 1 Crore to Telangana Chief Minister Relief Fund Chennai

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Port Wings News Network angavaram Port Limited on 11 April 2020 contributed Rs 1 crores (Rupees One Crore Only) to the Telangana Chief Minister Relief fund.

Mr. DVS. Raju & Mr. Rajesh Raju of Gangavaram Port Group handed over the cheque to Chief Minister of Telangana Shri K Chandrasekhar Rao to support the fight against COVID 19 pandemic and facilitate the healthcare and safety measures being undertaken by the Government.

Gangavaram Port is the most modern and the deepest port in India located at Vi s a k h a p a t n a m , the industrial nerve centre of Andhra Pradesh.

Gangavaram Port has been developed as an all-weather, multipurpose port with water depth up to 21 meters, making it the deepest and capable of handling fully laden Super Cape size vessels of up to 200,000 DWT.

Gangavaram Port has become the gateway port for a hinterland spread over 8 states across Eastern, Western, Southern and Central India. Its ability to handle larger vessels efficiently has resulted in substantial savings to trade and port users. Gangavaram Port provides efficient cargo handling services for a variety of bulk and break bulk cargo groups including Coal, Iron Ore, Fertilizer, Limestone, Bauxite, Raw Sugar, Project Cargo, Alumina,

Steel products etc. The Port, its related facilities and material handling system are among the most advanced in Asia and meet the highest standards in terms of pollution prevention and safety.

Port Wings - Maritime Exim Weekly Newspaper : Published by K.Sivakumar on behalf of Universal Media Associates, Old No.72, New No.149, 1st Floor, Srinivasa Complex, Linghi Street, Mannady, Chennai - 600 001. And Printed by V.Meganathan at Web Kingdom, No.115, Jani John Khan Road, Royapettah, Chennai – 600014. Editor: K.Sivakumar.