Port Wings Maritime Exim Weekly Newspaper 3 June 2020 Issue

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June 3rd - 9th Issue

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Published from Chennai and Circulated among the trade across the country RNI TNENG/2014/59741

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

8 Pages

World Looking for Trusted, Reliable Partner, Says Modi New Delhi Port Wings News Network "We need to take care of the economy as well as save lives of people from coronavirus," Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said.

Modi while addressing the annual session of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) via video conferencing on 2 June said that the Centre is now focusing on bringing the economy back on the recovery track by gradually allowing businesses to start operations. Modi also congratulated CII on its 125th anniversary.

The world is looking for a trusted, reliable partner, Modi said and added that five things are very important to build a self-reliant India and to bring India back on the path of rapid development - Intent, Inclusion, Investment, Infrastructure and Innovation. You will get a glimpse of all these in the bold decisions taken recently. With these decisions, we have made every sector future ready, Modi said.

Prime Minister further said, today India is ready for a big step towards a new growth-oriented future. reforms are not some random or scattered decisions for us. For us reforms are systematic, planned, integrated, inter-connected and futuristic process.

“In India, we have potential, strength and ability. Today, all of you, including all the industries must benefit from the trust that has developed for India all over the

world,” he said “I don’t have any doubt about India’s capabilities of crisis management and industry leaders.

India will get its growth back,” he said. “Some people must be thinking about how can I be so confident during this hour of crisis.

I have immense trust in India’s capabilities and crisis management.

I trust India’s talent and technology.

I trust innovation and intellect of India. I trust the farmers of India, MSME’s, entrepreneurs and on industry leaders,” he said.

“India has put behind lockdown and has entered Unlock 1.0. Most of the economy has opened up and the remaining part will open from June 8 next,” he added.

We have taken decisions that will help India in getting its growth back, the Prime Minister asserted.

The Prime Minister informed that during lockdown, his government

has given nearly eight crore free gas cylinders to the poor.

“For making India self-reliant five things are necessary-intent, innovation, investment, inclusion, infrastructure,” Modi said. With the change in APMC Act, farmers can now sell their produce at any state of his choice, Modi said in his speech.

“Farmers can also trade their produce through electronic trading system. We are also doing labour reforms and opening up sectors for private enterprises,” he said.

India is the third country in the world which has the biggest coal reserve but still we are importing coal from outside because of our policies, he informed.

“But now we are bringing reforms in the coal sector, we have opening up the sector for private sectors for exploration and mining,” he added. “MSME sector has nearly 30 per cent contribution to our GDP. Now we have changed the definition of MSMEs which will help them grow along with maintaining their MSME status,” he also said.

There will be no global tenders in government projects worth up to Rs 200 crore, which will help MSMEs, the Prime Minister informed. India has sold medical supplies to more than 150 countries in the times of pandemic, which has increased the world’s trust in India, Modi further said. In the wake of Corona pandemic, such online events are becoming a new normal.

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Wing 6 Feather 42

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Expired Certificates Deny Indian Seafarers Job Prospects Mumbai

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Port Wings News Network ndian seafarers awaiting their next assignment on ships when crew change resume fully will face another hurdle to their job prospects - expired certificates – as maritime training institutes that facilitate certificate renewals are shut till further notice, in the wake of the pandemic, according to a BusinessLine report.

Following calls to fix the issue, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has sought to resolve the matter, but seafarers say it will not meet the requirements.

In a May 21 order, the DGS extended the validity of seafarers’ certificates that are expiring between March 01 and December 31 by six months from the expiry date printed/ typed on the relevant certificate (Certificate of Competency/ Proficiency/ Equivalence), irrespective of whether the seafarer is/was on ship at the time of expiry or not.

Hiring issue Most shipping companies offer a six-month contract on board, but a hiring rule followed globally make the extension unworkable.

“My certificates are expiring in July. After the extension granted by DGS, my certificate will be valid till February 2021.But, companies will put me on a ship if my certificates expire at least three months beyond the contract period. So, if they don’t put me on a ship in June, I will not be able to join and will have to wait till the training institutes

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open to revalidate and renew my certificates,” said a Mumbai-based seafarer, who signed off from his last assignment on board a ship in July 2019.

The six-months’ extension of certificate validity will also not help seafarers whose certificates expired before March, but could not be renewed due to the lockdown and the closure of training institutes.

These seafarers will have to sit at home, wait for training institutes to re-open and then apply for renewal/ revalidation.

Because of this, many seafarers will be unemployed due to expired certificates.

Extending validity is not a feasible option for those on shore.

“What we need is delivery of processed certificates,” he said.

Need for revalidation A seafarer has to undergo a refresher course every five years to renew or revalidate his certificates, according to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

“So, every year, a seafarer has to do some course to keep his certificates valid. If my company had planned and placed me by January, I would have completed my contract by now. Why would a seafarer renew his certificates if they are valid for another year and bear additional cost,” he said.

Seafarers who are stuck without these important documents are facing a hard time, said another seafarer who has been getting calls from his company to join a ship.

Given the situation, seafarers have urged DGS to conduct on-line revalidation of STCW certificates and renew/revalidate the documents so that they can join when companies call them on their next contract.

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Inside As Cities Reopen, Traffic and... Pg-2 SCI Q4 net Profit Jumps 83%... Pg-3 Adani Ports Joins TradeLens... Pg-4 DG Systems Calls Upon FFFAI... Pg-5 Vessel Position at Terminals and Ports... Pg-6 Latest Customs Exchange Rates... Pg-7 Lower Prices Fuel Demand for... Pg-7 First Container Ship Arrives at... Pg-8

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June 3rd - 9th Issue

KSR Freight Forwarders Proves its Mettle, Operates First Exclusive Charter Freighter Chennai

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

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The Next Manufacturing Hub

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ith the global reliance on Chinese manufacturing bases exposed in light of the global pandemic, many countries are now looking at alternate manufacturing sites to increase their supply chains. Given India's minimal labour costs, slowly reducing corporate taxes and relaxed bureaucratic red tape, India can poise itself to become the next manufacturing hub.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India turned the Coronavirus crisis into an opportunity. “We did not manufacture personal protective equipment, made N-95 masks for namesake when the disease first broke out here. Today, we manufacture two lakh PPEs in a day and two lakh N-95 masks in a day. This is because we turned the challenge into an opportunity,” he said in his address to the nation. He also said that it is the responsibility of every person in the country to make 21st century India’s century.

India needs to improve contract enforcement mechanism and upgrade infrastructure to attract companies looking to move away from China and seeking other investment destinations, feel experts.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has created unique opportunities for India, and the country should do its best to attract companies and investments as it would help in generating jobs, creating wealth and promoting 'Make in India', they said.

According to estimates of the UN Statistics Division, China accounted for 28 percent of global manufacturing output in 2018.

Yet, the Coronavirus pandemic is beginning to change this in many ways. The supply shock created by a Chinese shutdown has prompted global firms to look for new manufacturing centres as a part of a risk hedging strategy for the future. Several industries have realised the drawbacks of being excessively dependent on manufacturing on a single country and are looking to expand the geographic spread of their facilities.

This presents a moment of opportunity for India which can reap rich dividends by creating a manufacturing-friendly environment and offering lucrative deals to global players for setting up units in India. Reports have indicated that many companies have already initiated talks with Indian authorities seeking to pursue production plans in this country in sectors such as electronics, medical devices and textiles, among others. India needs to capitalize on this opportunity and present itself as a viable alternative manufacturing destination.

However, in order to roll out the red carpet to global firms and present a credible alternative to China as a manufacturing hub, the Indian government will have to overhaul the state power utilities, put in place a mechanism for enforcing commercial contracts by bringing in specialised commercial courts and establish a consultative mechanism for commercial/foreign exchange related laws.

The disruption due to restriction of import has given an opportunity to local manufacturing units to fulfill the domestic need which earlier was catered with imported supply. The entities that are closing operations in China and are wanting to shift to India will find it Sample easier to start business, thanks to the initiative taken by TEXT the Modi government to improve ease of doing business.

The private sector can play a vital role in helping the government create an enabling ecosystem to attract investments from abroad.

In the recent past, the tax regime in India has been quite dynamic and the government has introduced a range of tax sops in order to attract investment, especially in the manufacturing sector.

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Port Wings News Network lobal oil markets and prices have been underpinned by the returning demand for motor fuels across Asia and in Germany; WTI crude oil and US gasoline prices have risen by double digit percentages from their late April price lows. Brent crude oil, the benchmark for non-US global crude prices, has strengthened with Chinese buyers reportedly importing large volumes of crude oil to satisfy increased domestic refinery demand, according to a Forbes report.

A quick check of TomTom International BV’s TomTom Traffic Index confirms that virtually every major Chinese city’s traffic patterns are back to nearly normal. Japan and Germany are the same, with several German cities actually showing slightly higher traffic than what had been the annual norm before Coronavirus shuttered the global economy.

But China and Japan, the world’s

no, we made it happen,” KSR's official said.

It may be noted that KSR are partners of Atlantic Aviation GSA of US Bangla Airways. They have regular charter freight operations.

second and fourth largest consumers of crude oil by volume, along with Germany (number nine) can’t sustain the current energy rally alone. The United States, the number one oil consuming country, along with India (number three) need to join the party, which could provide another boost to global energy prices sometime this summer.

Traffic patterns in the US are just now barely starting to show slight inklings of life, and could indeed begin to rally towards healthier levels during June as travel restrictions are loosened; the same has already begun to happen across much of Europe. Russia, the world’s fifth largest oil user, also seems to be following Germany’s lead, with traffic beginning to rise in all of its major cities. All this should be great news for oil bulls, but major hurdles and questions of timing still remain.

India’s traffic patterns have been literally halted, with travel restrictions in place until at least mid-June. In addition, Covid-19 is starting to spread in the Southern

Hemisphere, right on schedule, as Corona viruses typically do, when the summer season winds down.

Nowhere is this more evident than in Brazil, the globe’s seventh largest oil user; traffic patterns there are slowing dramatically as Covid-19 cases rise.

Bridge and tunnel traffic in the New York metro area was reported at around sixty percent of normal the week before Memorial Day, indicating commuter to-and-from work traffic, which accounts for about twenty-eight percent of gasoline demand according to a report from RBC Capital Markets, is still non-existent, a fact also confirmed by TomTom’s New York and US nationwide traffic patterns.

Bottom line: if China, Japan, and Germany are any guide, when the US begins to reopen traffic, oil and gasoline demand may rebound more quickly than originally anticipated.

This could have major implications for oil and gasoline markets and prices as the summer season progresses.

Paradip Port Management Inaugurates State-of-the-art Equipment at PPT Hospital Paradip

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Port Wings News Network tate-of-the-art Portable X-Ray Machine and Biochemistry Auto Analyser were dedicated to service of the patients during a ribbon cutting ceremony held at Paradip Port Trust Hospital on 1 June 2020.

Gracing the occasion as chief guest, Shri Rinkesh Roy, Chairman, PPT inaugurated both the machines in presence of Shri A.K. Bose, Dy. Chairman, PPT, Shri Himanshu Sekhar Rout, Dy. Chief Engineer, Dr. P. Panda, CMO, PPT Hospital and other staff of the Hospital, who were present on the occasion

During natural disasters, it was becoming difficult to manage the

investigations, like Blood Tests & X-Ray etc., if, there was any breakdown of the main equipment, since a lot people in the locality are dependent on PPT Hospital. Portable X-Ray will be useful to make x-Ray examination of patients at the bed

side of the seriously ill patients.

Previously, it was required to move the patient for such examination. Further, X-ray examinations of suspects of COVID-19 are now possible in the Flu OPD (Acute Respiratory Infection OPD), situated totally outside the main hospital building, minimizing the chances of spread of cross infection.

Previously, such X-ray examination was being performed in the Radiology Department, situated inside the main hospital building, which was being mandatorily sanitised, thereafter.

Tirupur Exporters Association Welcomes Change in Definition of Medium Units

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transported to destination.

An official of KSR Freight Forwarders thanked the entire team, who extended their support to make this maiden freighter a great success. “When everyone else said

As Cities Reopen, Traffic and Oil Demand Reappear

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Port Wings News Network amil Nadu-based KSR Freight Forwarders, a leading logistics solutions provider, recently operated their first exclusive "Charter Freighter" on DAC-CCU-DAC route. The whole operation was executed by the KSR/ LIGI CCU office.

According to a media statement, entire flight --operated by US Bangla Airline (BS 234) -- was loaded with cargo -- fabrics & elastics -- in main deck and lower deck, and safely

Chennai

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Port Wings News Network hri Raja M Shanmugam, president, TEA, on 1 June thanked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shri. Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) for considering the representations including from TEA for upward revision of MSME definition today and while welcoming the change in

definition of Micro and Small units, he specifically welcomed the upward revision of Medium Enterprises to Rs. 50 Crore of Investment and Rs. 250 Crore of turnover will be highly beneficial to the Tirupur knitwear garment exporting units.

Shri Raja M Shanmugam said the change in definition will not only help for ease of doing business and will also attract more investment in Tirupur knitwear sector and create

more jobs, particularly semi-literate women hailing from rural areas.

Shri Raja M Shanmugam appealed to the Prime Minister and Finance Minister to advice banks to provide the intended financial measures to MSMEs expeditiously and he noted that with the support of all banks, Tirupur knitwear garmenting exporting units will take efforts to restore the normal business in the coming months.

June 3rd - 9th Issue

SCI Q4 net Profit Jumps 83% to Rs 111 Crores

Hyundai Exports 3 Million Cars From India Chennai

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Port Wings News Network yundai Motor India (HMIL), country’s first smart mobility solutions provider and the largest exporter since inception, reinforced its commitment to supporting the government’s ‘Make in India’ vision with more than 5,000 export units for May 2020, says a press release.

In the last 20 years, Hyundai India has also cemented its position as the leading exporter of passenger cars, exporting more than 3 million vehicles. In calendar year 2019, Hyundai Motor India exported 181,200 units with 792 customised variants in compliance with countryspecific preference and demand.

A market share of 26% of the total exports of passenger cars from India in CY 2019 has made Hyundai a significant contributor to the Indian automobile industry, the release said.

In line with the government’s vision of ‘self-reliant’ India and File Photo

to support the state and central governments’ objective of promoting economic revival, Hyundai resumed operations at its plant on May 8, producing more than 5,000 units for the export market.

Speaking about Hyundai’s export strategy, SS Kim, Managing Director & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, “We began our export operations in India in 1999 with an objective to

propagate ‘Make in India – Made for the World’. In line with our global strategy, we have now exported more than 3 million vehicles to 88 countries, which reaffirm our commitment to the country.” “We have once again made a humble beginning towards normalcy by exporting more than 5,000 units in May. This is a testimony of Hyundai’s resilient efforts towards localisation and to accentuate economic recovery.

Drawing strength from Hyundai’s vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’, we will continue to offer all-round premium experience to our customers through our quality products, both in India and global markets,” he added.

MCCI Calls For Debt Restructuring Plan for MSMEs Chennai

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Port Wings News Network ven as MSMEs struggle to open up their businesses post the Covid-19 lockdown, the Madras Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) has come out with eight recommendations specifically to provide a lifeline to these businesses, especially the small and micro enterprises, according to a news report in BusinessLine.

These suggestions are based on a survey conducted with more than 1,200 manufacturing MSMEs, a significant portion of which are in Tamil Nadu.

“The survey reveals that about 50 per cent of the MSMEs are struggling with the basic problem of paying salaries and rent,” Srivats Ram, Vice President, MCCI told BusinessLine during a webinar interaction.

While one-fourth of the units expect their inventories to become obsolete or degraded, about 40 per cent of the units haven’t been able to collect their receivables on time.

MSMEs are of the view that recovery is going be a longer process with working capital and liquidity issues. About 78 per cent of the units are working at 50 per cent capacity and 40 per cent of the units feel that it will take at least 6-9 months for demand to reach pre-Covid levels.

Even though three-fourths of the respondents were aware of the government loan schemes that have been announced, they haven’t

availed of the same due to high-interest cost, lack of clarity from banks on the schemes and repayment concerns due to uncertain future and lack of customer orders. Only about 26 per cent have availed the loans, mostly for working capital requirements, said Ram. A significant percentage of the respondents felt that interest waiver during the lockdown period and loans at concessional rates would help them tide over the crisis. Sixty per cent of the respondents also felt that a relaxation of NPA norms will be beneficial.

Recommended measures With its survey outcomes, MCCI has suggested a debt restructuring scheme specifically for MSMEs that need to be notified. The loans can be restructured to ensure that there are no outflows till the end of this year, and the amounts due are converted into a loan repayable after two years at a concessional rate of interest.

Governments should ensure that their undertakings clear the dues to MSMEs immediately.

The industry body has also recommended that moratorium on GST payments could be extended till October 2020 without any interest payments.

As there will be a challenge on the manpower front, the government should provide a training stipend

for a period of six months for new recruits.

Ramkumar Ramamoorthy, President of the Chamber said MCCI has recommended several measures to the state government in the areas of operations, logistics, labour and compliance, among others. “Quicker implementation of these measures will infuse greater confidence in MSMEs to restart and scale-up in a staged fashion,” he stated.

As public transport is not available due to lockdown, alternate arrangements should be made for employees of MSMEs. There is also a big constraint for material transport, both inter- and intraState. Here, State governments should facilitate free movement of industrial goods and intermediaries, he said.

The recommendations also include permission for 12 hours of work based on the employees’ willingness, suspension of requirements to obtain registration and licence under the CLRA Act 1970 for 180 days and freezing of increase in Dearness Allowance till July 2021.

MCCI has also recommended a shift to online of compliance procedures and exemption or extension up to 180 days for various subsidiary requirements under Factories Act (such as building stability/eye test).

It also sought a governmentappointed nodal officer in all major industrial estates for coordination with MSMEs.

FIEO Welcomes Exclusion of Export Turnover and Enhancement of Turnover Limit of MSME New Delhi Port Wings News Network ommenting on the announcement made by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for MSME, Sharad Kumar Saraf, President, FIEO, said that enhancement of the turnover limit for Medium units from Rs 100 Cr to Rs 250 Cr is most pragmatic and will also infuse technology as in certain sectors margins are so low that enhancement in investment in

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plant and machinery would not have been of much use unless accompanied by increase in turnover limit to Rs 250 Cr. Such a move will also bring automation of certain processes which are required for competitive manufacturing.

Mr Saraf thanked the Union Minister for MSME for accepting FIEO's request for excluding

exports turnover from total turnover which will help in internationalisation of MSME and will bring their focus on exports.

This will also benefit a lot of gems and jewellery companies, who would have breached the MSME criteria due to sheer cost of their inputs.

FIEO chief hoped that the share of MSMEs in the country's exports will rise from 40% to 50% in the next five years.

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Mumbai

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Port Wings News Network hipping Corporation of India (SCI) on 30 May reported 83 per cent jump in its consolidated profit to Rs 111 crore for the fourth quarter ended March 31.

The state-owned company had clocked a consolidated profit of Rs 60.68 crore for the corresponding quarter in 2018-19, it said in a regulatory filing. Its total consolidated income surged to Rs 1,391.85 crore during the quarter under review as against Rs 1,068.62 crore in the year-ago period.

Total expenses were higher at Rs 1,284.35 crore during the quarter as against Rs 1,031.48 crore a year ago. For the full fiscal, the company reported a consolidated profit to the tune of Rs 336.48 crore. It had recorded a loss of Rs 62.66 crore during 2018-19.

The group has assessed the overall impact of the situation in March 2020 itself and had taken effective measures to minimise disruption to operations and ensure that the business remains viable during the virus outbreak and thereafter, it said.

Revenue for the year ended March 31, 2020, is not affected by pandemic COVID-19 as it started in late March 2020, SCI added. "It is also further assessed that COVID-19 does not have any significant impact on Group Operations going forward."

The SCI management based on its assessment has estimated its future cash flows for the Group which indicates no major change in the financial performance as estimated prior to COVID-19 and hence, the

Group believes that there is no impact on its ability to continue as a going concern and meeting its liabilities as and when they fall due," it said.

SCI said the company has opted for lower tax rates as per amended Act and has accordingly recognised Provision for Income Tax for the year ended March 31, 2020, reversed the accumulated MAT credit and remeasured the opening balance of Deferred Tax Liability.

This change has reduced provision for taxation by Rs 1,883 lakhs and deferred tax liability by Rs 137 lakhs for the year ended March 31,2020. During the fourth quarter, the company sold its vessel MT Maharaja Agrasen DWT 1,47,474.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed with the buyer on March 19, 2020 and Instrument of sale was released to the buyer on March 26, 2020, the company said.

"In view of the worldwide pandemic due to spread of COVID-19, Sri Lanka had imposed nationwide lockdown and curfew, during which signing off and landing of our crew in Sri Lankan territory was totally banned by the local authorities. Thereafter, the physical delivery of the vessel to buyer finally took place on April 27 at Gable anchorage (Sri Lanka)," it said.

As the country's premier shipping line, SCI owns and operates around one-third of the Indian tonnage and has operating interests in practically all areas of the shipping business, servicing both national and international trades.

Cabinet Approves Upward Revision Of MSME Definition, Approves Equity Infusion Of Rs 50000 Crore New Delhi Port Wings News Network n line with Government of India's top focus on energising MSMEs in the country, a special meeting of Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) was convened under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the upward revision of MSME definition and modalities/ road map for laying down effective implementation mechanism for the remaining two announcements under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Package, according to a report in Business Standard financial daily.

In the package announcement, the definition of micro manufacturing and services unit was increased to Rs. 1 crore of investment and Rs. 5 crore of turnover. The limit of small unit was increased to Rs. 10 crore of investment and Rs 50 crore of turnover. Similarly, the limit of a medium unit was increased to Rs 20 crore of investment and Rs. 100 crore of turnover. It may be noted that this revision was done after 14 years since the MSME Development Act came into existence in 2006.

After the package announcement on 13th May, 2020, there were

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several representations that the announced revision is still not in tune with market and pricing conditions and it should be further revised upwards. Keeping in mind these representations, it was decided to further increase the limit for medium manufacturing and service units. Now it will be Rs. 50 crore of investment and Rs. 250 crore of turnover.

It has also been decided that the turnover with respect to exports will not be counted in the limits of turnover for any category of MSME units whether micro, small or medium.

This is yet another step towards ease of doing business. This will help in attracting investments and creating more jobs in the MSME sector.

The cabinet further provided approval for provisioning of Rs 20,000 crore as subordinate debt to provide equity support to the stressed MSMEs. This will benefit 2 lakh stressed MSMEs. It also granted approval for equity infusion of Rs. 50,000 crore for MSMEs through Fund of Funds (FoF). This will establish a framework to help MSMEs in capacity augmentation.

This will also provide an opportunity to get listed in stock exchanges.

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June 3rd - 9th Issue

FFFAI, CSLA Meet to Mitigate Industry Issues Chennai

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Port Wings News Network he executive committees of Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Association In India (FFFAI) and Container Shipping Lines Association (CSLA) in India recently had a meeting on video conference to discuss on trade facilitation measures to be implemented to adopt best practices in achieving the result for reducing dwell time and transaction cost on logistics.

In the meeting, FFFAI was represented and lead by Mr. A.V. Vijaykumar- Chairman – FFFAI and its office bearers along with FFFAI’s 28 Member Association Presidents including Customs Brokers Associations across India.

CSLA was represented by Capt.

Deepak Tewari, President, CSLA and CSLA committee members.

FFFAI and CSLA both were of the opinion that industry should look for more of digitization of documentation and process to avoid physical presence and hard copy exchanges. Since its customs endeavor to work toward Digital Customs all related stakeholder should also adopt changes and upgrade technology to digitize process related to EXIM trade Customs EDI system and ICEGATE are well integrated systems with PORTS/ CFS’s however there is a need to eliminate the manual process like handing over of physical LEO print Shipping Bill copies to surveyors / Shipping lines which can be replaced with online system DATA transfer integration. Also the Containers movement’s physical documents like transference copies should be eliminated and more dependence on system based process needs to be adopted.

It was agreed upon to make a representation to CBIC board for

acceptance of new practices in view of implementation of EDI Systems.

Customs to review on the procedure in view of EDI implementation to do away with print out and hard copy submission to customs as the Export General Manifest are done online.

The online system data transfer will also facilitate the error free EGM for exporters to receive their refunds on time.

CSLA also highlighted that they are working on e-Bill of Lading, which will help trade facilitation to go paperless and online transmission of Bill of Lading, CSLA members have initiated and working on various platforms like Wave, Cargo–x , Bolero, Tradelens etc. and some of their members are operating on this platform.

Government of India through Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Commerce and Indian Financial Banking Services are jointly working on the regulization of e-Bill of Lading.

EXIM trade should come forward in accepting and implementing this eBill of Lading which will save time and cost for trade. No physical original Bill of Lading would be required and all transmission and transaction with all stakeholders integrated would work on systems to transfer and surrender titles.

CSLA also appreciated the contribution of FFFAI in conceptualizing the eBill of lading,

which further with Government initiatives to work on single window PCS (Port Community System) will change the dynamic of shipping trade.

At this meet FFFAI appreciated the shipping lines for keeping services operational during these hard times and offering detention free time during March 22 to April 3.

During discussion it was proposed that the PCS should be integrated to provide following facilities through system implementation that need to work out on following the facilitation measures to submit all manual process through system: 1. One time KYC (Know your Customers) DATA BANK with periodic validation; 2.

Online submission of Undertaking / Bond.; 3. Advance Invoicing.; and 4.

Portal based information and transaction.

It was noted that some of the stakeholders in supply chain are unorganized and fragmented service providers i.e transporters, Empty container yards, surveyors etc, which need to be streamlined for integration and productive output. Empty Container yards play important role in exports by allotting seaworthy cleaned surveyed containers for factory stuffing containers. However due to non-performing the wrong deliveries of containers leads to high transportation duplicate cost and delays in shipments. Further, the offloading of Empty return containers should be streamlined with seamless process. The streamlining of process would result in better turnaround of vehicles to make it available on time for trade transportation.

It was concluded that both National Association would jointly work out the strategy towards trade facilitation measures to digitalise the process for seamless movement to achieve productivity, resulting into less dwell time and lower transaction cost.

Adani Ports Joins TradeLens Platform of Maersk-IBM Mumbai

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Port Wings News Network n a big digitisation push, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), India’s biggest private port operator, has signed up with TradeLens, a blockchain-based digital container logistics platform, jointly developed by A P Moller - Maersk and IBM, BusinessLine reports.

The cargo handling facilities run

by APSEZ at Mundra, Hazira, Dahej, Tuna, Dhamra, Ennore, Kattupalli, Mormugao, Vizag and the underconstruction port at Vizhinjam will be integrated with TradeLens.

The move comes as ports and logistics companies pursue digitisation in the aftermath of the pandemic that exposed the vulnerability of the supply chain in an industry traditionally dependant on huge paperwork and human interface for clearing goods.

“During the pandemic, we realised the price of not digitising the industry,” said a logistics industry official. “There will be a mindset change now and more firms will adopt technology,” he added.

The TradeLens partnership will enable greater ease of doing business across the supply chain by replacing manual, time consuming administrative process with digital procedures powered by blockchain technology.

TradeLens is an open and neutral industry platform underpinned by blockchain technology, supported

by major players across the global shipping industry. The platform promotes the efficient, transparent and secure exchange of information in order to foster greater collaboration and trust across the global supply chain.

TradeLens brings together data from the entire global supply chain ecosystem including shippers, port operators and shipping lines. It also aims to modernise manual and paperbased documents, replacing them with blockchain enabled digital solutions.

The platform provides visibility across the entire supply chain, from booking to clearance to payments and is built on inputs from the industry including direct integrations with more than 110 ports and terminals, over 15 Customs authorities around the world and an increasing number of intermodal providers.

A P M Terminals, PSA International, MaerskLine, MSC, CMA-CGM are among those who have signed up for the platform.

Improved document flows and supply chain visibility offered by digital solutions such as TradeLens potentially could save importers using Jawaharlal Nehru Port up to $220 million a year and exporters up to $40 million in lower transport and logistics costs, notably from shorter lead time and less frequent delays, according to a study by QBIS Consulting on Total Transport and Logistics Costs (TTLC).

Assuming similar potentials

in other Indian ports, the savings nationwide could reach $860 million.

TradeLens could help supply chain partners reduce average times through improved efficiency and timeliness in the creation and distribution of shared documents like commercial invoices, bills of lading and packing lists that routinely get generated and exchanged between trading partners.

Additionally, TradeLens could provide the transparency that lets importers identify opportunities to streamline their supply chain. Getting the documentation time for finished consumer goods and machinery down to the overall average of 35 hours could reduce import TTLC by up to 2 per cent.

Using TradeLens, Customs authorities would have immediate access to secure and authentic documents and full, trusted visibility of shipping milestones from end-toend. That could speed assessments for everyone — especially those trading general merchandise. In addition, Customs could access documents up to three weeks prior to arrival, as opposed to 2-3 days, which is the average for today. If these improvements could bring assessments for general merchandise down to the 15-hour average, a reduction of up to up 4 percent in import TTLC could be achieved, QBIS said.

The only other Indian cargo operator to join TradeLens is the Visakha Container Terminal run by the J M Baxi Group at Visakhapatnam Port Trust.

Vizag Port Sends Maiden Export of Mangoes to UK Visakhapatnam Port Wings News Network large consignment of Banganapalli mangoes grown in Nuzvid were shipped in a container vessel to London from Visakhapatnam Port for the first time. according to The Hindu.

The consignment was sent through Visakha Container Terminal Private Ltd, a BOT operator of Visakhapatnam Port Trust, in the early hours of Sunday by merchant vessel Diaporos.

“This is a proud moment for us. We have made a good beginning after introducing direct container liner service to Western Europe without needing any transhipment,” VPT Deputy Chairman P.L. Haranadh told The Hindu.

The consignment, weighing 12 tonnes, is expected to reach London in a month. Locally grown watermelons are also poised for exports, also for the first time from the State, to Dubai next week. In another development, VPT recently received 14 tonnes of apples from Chile for distribution in Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states.

The export of the consignment through the port was initiated by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) from Government Pack House at Nuzvid near Vijayawada. It was ferried to Visakhapatnam by truck and exported in a refrigerated container at a set temperature of eight degrees centigrade. Watermelons need to be stored at a temperature between four

A

and five degrees centigrade.

The export was made by Sree Sadaa Siva Agro & Tech, Vizianagaram and transported after customs clearance by Merilyn Shipping & Transports.

“This is the first export of the world-famous variety from Visakhapatnam Port through VCTPL, which is connected to all ports in the world with direct

vessels to Europe and the Far East, said Aashish Pakalapati, General Manager of Merilyn Shipping & Transports.

Overcoming hurdles VCTPL has put up a good show during the lockdown despite a labour and lorry transportation problem by handling 35,345 and 32,822 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in April and May, 2020 as against 40,481 and 43,989 respectively during corresponding period last year.

The terminal, which has a natural depth of 17 metres, is centrally located on the East Coast with close distance to Malacca Straits. It has a capacity to handle 0.55 million tonne per annum, which is being increased to over 1.5 million tonne with an investment of ₹633 crore.

Angre Port Handles 22,000 tonnes of Sugar Export in April Mumbai

A

Port Wings News Network ngre Port, the most sheltered all-weather port in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, has bucked the weak economic trend amid Covid and handled 22,000 tonnes of sugar exports in April, according to a BusinessLine report.

While the industry has been facing labour crunch, Angre Port has ensured safe handling of exports without hassle.

The port has handled 1.50 lakh tonnes of sugar exports last fiscal. Additionally, for the first time since its inception, Angre Port simultaneously loaded two separate mother vessels with sugar, said the port in a statement.

The port has been in close contact with local authorities, Customs, Maharashtra Maritime Board, among others to align its operations with government directives and measures.

Angré Port has helped sugar companies achieve export volumes before the monsoon sets in.

Labour shortage and Covid restrictions caused ports in Mumbai and Kandla face serious issues, especially during this peak sugar season. Despite having enough cargo and business, ports were struggling to cope with the requests of traders.

C P Jayakrishnan, President,

Business Development and Operations, Angre Port, said the port is among the few ports along the west coast to enable continuity of the global supply chain even during the pandemic.

“We have lined up 60,000 tonnes

of sugar exports in the immediate future,” he said.

At present it is handling two mother vessels, one break bulk and another bulk, simultaneously at the port.

Since the start of the operations in 2019, Angre Port is well-connected by road and rail to the textile, sugar, chemical and cement manufacturing industries in Maharashtra, Marathwada, Vidarbha, Mumbai, Pune, Goa, and North Karnataka within a radius of 500 km from the port.

Apart of the 103-year-old Chowgule Group, Angre Port is a multi-purpose port with capabilities to handle bulk, break-bulk, liquid, project and containerized cargo.

Since the start of operations, it has handled about 7,50,000 tonnes of various cargo.

June 3rd - 9th Issue

5

DG Systems Calls Upon FFFAI for Achieving Transparency Through Paperless Initiatives

T

Chennai

Port Wings News Network he DG Systems of Customs, Government of India, recently unveiled a slew of further initiatives that the department going to implement soon to facilitate trade through digitization and Public Private Partnership (PPP), in view of the challenges due to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown/curfew. In this Webinar on “Digital Transformation through Paperless Initiatives in Customs Clearance” FFFAI also presented several recommendations before the Customs authority, so that cargo clearance streamlined despite challenges.

Speaking at this interactive webinar, Mr Sandeep Kumar, DG Systems, Government of India, emphasized the need of achieving

A.V. Vijaykumar Chairman FFFAI

Registration of goods should be immediately after the entry of goods in Customs area along with uploading with Annexure-C is also recommended for minimizing handling of export goods.

Supplementing Mr Ramakrishna, Mr

Dushyant Mulani Honorary Secretary-FFFAI

transparent process in Customs Clearance which will help to enhance security and revenue of the country.

Mr Kumar called on FFFAI Chairman Mr AV Vijaykumar in this webinar to work on blockchain technology for achieving the centralized KYC and also to achieve further uniformity in various processes involved in customs clearance of exim cargo.

FFFAI team which was represented by Mr Vijaykumar and BCBA President Mr Karunakar Shetty, along with Mr Shankar Shinde, Chairman-Elect; Mr S Ramakrishna, Immediate Past Chairman and Dushyant Mulani, Honorary Secretary addressed the following issues which were collated from 28 FFFAI Member associations across the country: While accepting the recommendations from DG Systems regarding creation of blockchain to work on creation of a centralized database of all the importers and exporters Mr Vijaykumar conveyed that FFFAI with its outreach to every nook and corner of the country is geared up for creating the centralized KYC database of importers and exporters transacting through Customs, which will help to create a secure working environment.

Mr Shetty complimented DG Systems and CBIC for their progressive steps, which has helped to keep in critical supply chain moving in the country in spite of challenges faced due to COVID-19 pandemic, lack of transport not being available, etc. He further said that CBs and frontline workers have braved against all odds and have ensured that customs clearance have taken place through ports, airports, ICDs, etc for supply of essential goods to India citizens.

Mr Anupam Prakash, EDG, Systems along with Mr Kshitij Jain, Joint Commissioner, Systems unveiled future endeavour of the Directorate of Systems by carrying out various upgradation in the system which will result in high degree of paperless transaction.

He explained the recent online module which has been introduced for carrying out import clearance further. He also conveyed that similar module is being worked out for export with lot of features like import side.

Mr Ramakrishna suggested that the centralized KYC with signature verification through the banker of EXIM trade would enhance the security. FFFAI have already given a proposal to the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Commerce in this regard. It was also suggested that similar to import and LEO documents if it is sent in PDF format along with copy to shipping line and load port the TR-1 and TR-2 can be done away with.

Shankar Shinde Chairman-Elect FFFAI

section. Alternately if the Bill of entry/ shipping bill is not getting assessed or examined within stipulated hours, say 3 hours, the same should be released by facilitating under RMS. Duplication of manual process to be avoided while executing bonds with Customs: FFFAI suggested that there should be provision created in the EDI system, wherein, when a Bond is submitted, at the time of filing the Bill of Entry with Customs, the same should get automatically debited and the duplication of process which is prevalent at present, besides manual process, should be avoided.

Karunakar Shetty

Mulani highlighted some other important points given below.

Auto monitoring and escalation mechanism to check the pendency in import Bill of Entries and export Shipping Bills: FFFAI suggested that for better monitoring of pendency for assessment and examination, the Customs EDI system software should be designed in a manner so that if a particular document is pending for more than 3 hours, there should be automatic alert to the senior officer i.e Addl. Commissioner of Customs and Commissioner of Customs in charge of that

S Ramakrishna

LEO time and date required to be mentioned on Shipping Bills: As being done on import side, FFFAI requested that the Export module in ICEGATE should also specifically mention exact time of each activity from submission to LEO such as Assessment, DC Release, Registration of Documents for LEO, Query reply in the same manner of imports and Feeding examination report and LEO. FFFAI also recommended that CTD declaration for transit cargo should be brought under EDI instead of manual at present.

The meeting ended with questions from

participants related to issues faced during lockdown and on how the steps taken by directorate of System would be helpful for the industry.

Mr Vijaykumar and Mr Sandeep Kumar summed up the session by stating that the number of steps undertaken by CBIC and DG System would help the trade and industry to handle higher volumes after the lockdown is over.

In his thank giving note Mr Shankar Shinde, Chairman-Elect, FFFAI expressed gratitude to Customs for their trade-friendly initiatives to facilitate trade on technology platform to expedite customs clearances of cargo shipment going paperless and avoid human interaction, especially at this challenging time because of COVID-19 pandemic. He further maintained that the trade would be immensely benefited by the DG System, Mr Sandeep Kumar’s new initiatives to offer a digital interactive platform.

“It had been good experience and knowing Mr. Sandeep Kumar and was pleasure working and experiencing his thought process during facilitation of cross borders International Customs integration on ATA/ TIR Carnet.

He played an important role in recommendation of India’s accession to TIR Convention. It would immensely help Indian EXIM trade to follow international best practices through government and industry stakeholders’ collaborative efforts,” Mr Shinde said.

He thanked Mr. Anupam Prakash for sharing development and experience. He has always been helpful and available to trade to resolve difficulties. In addition, Mr Shinde thanked Mr. Kshitij Jain who shared the latest developments on ICEGATE facility available to Customs Brokers and the process being undertaken for further development on ICES customs system.

He also thanked Mr Vijaykumar, Mr Shetty and Mr. Mulani for initiatives taken to conceptualize and organize the event. Further, he thanked to the Presidents of FFFAI Member Association and EC Members for providing valuable inputs to make effective presentation to DG System for implementation and requested all to adopt to the new technology changes for future survival and growth.

KIZAD Breaks Ground on Largest Rest, Refuelling Facility in Region

T

Chennai

Port Wings News Network he Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD), a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Ports and the Middle East’s largest industrial zone, broke ground for a new dedicated Truck Plaza, comprising refuelling and rest facilities with the Industrial Zone.

The project was introduced to His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, and Chairman of the Executive Committee, during his recent visit to KIZAD to review the progress of developments at the Zone.

The ground-breaking event took place in the presence of Ahmed Al Shamsi, Acting CEO of ADNOC Distribution, and Samir Chaturvedi, CEO of KIZAD. The plaza, covering an area of more than 87,000 sq metres, roughly equal to 12 soccer fields, will cater to the needs of workers and visitors at KIZAD’s growing industrial zone.

It will include a first-of-its-kind dedicated ADNOC Distribution service station for trucks, comprising two main canopies and six diesel bay canopies, and a community centre with 275 shaded truck, bus and car parking spaces. It will also house several retail outlets, including a convenience store, restaurants, a car care service, and a mosque.

The project is a significant step forward in providing truck drivers and workers within KIZAD with refuelling and rest facilities.

Abdullah Al Hameli, Acting Head of

Industrial Zones Cluster, Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “KIZAD Truck Plaza is another important milestone in realising KIZAD’s vision to support all of its customers and the community across Abu Dhabi’s industrial and logistics supply chain. We are confident that integrated facilities at the Truck Plaza will ultimately improve the quality of lives of the

broader industrial zone community.

“Undertaking this new development and collaborating with ADNOC reflects our commitment towards enhancing KIZAD’s attractiveness for both local and global investors. Additionally, this is part of our journey to support the lives of our bourgeoning population of tenants, workers, and residents.”

Ahmed Al Shamsi, Acting CEO, ADNOC Distribution, said: “We are delighted to be part of this development and collaborate with KIZAD to create best-in-class infrastructure and facilities that support this community.

This dedicated service station will be an important milestone in our journey as we

continue to drive the sustainable economic vision of the UAE and keep our essential customers moving.”

The truck plaza will include a restaurant for heavy duty vehicle drivers, a convenience store, four additional quick service restaurant outlets, as well as lube and vehicle washing services. The plaza will also include two utility buildings and has provision for a 1000 square metre m o s q u e .

Follow on enhancements to the truck plaza may include a dedicated overnight rest area for drivers and additional comfort facilities.

The KIZAD Truck Plaza is the latest in a series of recent developments announced by the Middle East’s largest industrial zone to meet growing customer demand. These include the upcoming delivery of pre-built modular warehousing units at KIZAD Logistics Park (KLP) Phase 3, which is over 45,730 square metres, during the summer of 2020. With many of the units already prebooked by businesses for up to 30 years, plans are afoot to expedite the launch and development of additional phases of the Logistics Park, which is expected to come online by the end of 2020.

6

Vessel Position at Terminals - (03.06.2020 To 10.06.2020)

June 3rd - 9th Issue

7

CITPL - Chennai

CCTL - Chennai ETA

ETD

Service

Vessel Name

3-6

4-6

SIF

2-6

3-6

3-6

4-6

Voy

Agent/Line

Calling Ports

SPIRIT OF MUMBAI

MSC1

Colombo

COST

TCI SURYA

MSC1

Port klang

COST

TCI LAKSHMI

SCI

Port klang

DAKSHINBHARATH GATEWAY TERMINAL / Tuticorin ETA

ETD

Service

Vessel Name

Voy

Agent/Line

Calling Ports

3-6

3-6

PIX1

MV.SSL BHARAT

82

TSA

KANDLA, VIZAG

3-6

4-6

CTS

MV.THORSKY

060S

FAR SHIPPING

COLOMBO, TUTICORIN, COLOMBO

4-6

5-6

TUX

MV.OEL SHRAVAN

20038

TWF

5-6

6-6

BOX

MV.HERMANN SCHEPERS

20137S

06/06

07/06

CTS

MV.THORSKY

061S

ETD

Service

Vessel Name

Voy

ETD

Service

Vessel Name

Voy

Agent/Line

Calling Ports

03/06

04/06

MD1

WAN HAI 507

87672E

WAN

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

06/06

07/06

FME

XIN CHI WAN

51

CCO

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

08/06

09/06

TCX NEW

GLEN CANYON BRIDGE

109

ONE

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

Kattupalli ETA

ETD

Service

Vessel Name

Voy

Agent/Line

Calling Ports

COLOMBO, TUTICORIN, COLOMBO

3-6

4-6

CCG

MESSINI

102W

EMC

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

BTL

COLOMBO, TUTICORIN, COLOMBO

03/06

4-6

C13

WANHAI 516

047W

WAN

Port Kelang(North port), Singapore, Shangha

FAR SHIPPING

COLOMBO, TUTICORIN, COLOMBO

04/06

5-6

ACS

HYUNDAI PLATINUM

062W

HMM

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

5-6

6-6

ACS

HYUNDAI PARAMOUNT

54E

HMM

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

7-6

8-6

TCX

GLEN CANYON BRIDGE 0

109

ONE

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

10-6

11-6

C13

OOCL ZHOUSHAN

221E

OIL

Port Kelang(North port), Singapore, Shanghai

NCT, Krishnapatnam ETA

ETA

Agent/Line

Calling Ports

3-6

4-6

MESAWA

MAERSK INDUS

MSK

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

4-6

5-6

INDUS

E R TIANSHAN

ONE

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

ETD

Service

Vessel Name

Voy

Agent/Line

Calling Ports

02/06

03/06

KAK>KRI

SSL VISAKHAPATNAM

95

IMPERIAL

Halida, Colombo

7-6

8-6

KAK>CMB

TCI LAKSHMI

909

BOTHRA

5-6

6-6

AIM

NYK PAULA

SBG

Colombo, Damietta Piraes Rotterdam, London

6-6

7-6

IEX

SONGA ANTOFAGASTA

RIS

Colombo, Damietta Piraes Rotterdam, London

6-6

7-6

MECL

NEGAR

MSK

Haldia, Paradip

07/06

08/06

MWE

MAERSK CHICAGO

MSK

MESAWA

MAERSK BENTONVILLE

08/06

09/06

MSC

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

APM Terminal - Mumbai

Kakinada Container Terminal

ICTT - Vallarpadam ETA

ETD

Service

Vessel Name

Voy

Agent/Line

Calling Ports

3-6

4-6

CCG-E

VARADA

0024E

SMI

Cochin, Kanda, Mangalore, Cochin

4-6

5-6

TCICOSTL

TCI EXPRESS

1400520

TCI

Cochin, Kanda, Mangalore, Cochin Tuticorin, cochin, Pipava, Kandla, Jebel ali

Agent/Line

Calling Ports

4-6

5-6

PIX2

SSL DELHI

43

SHR

MAERSK SERANGOON

MSK

Port Qasim, Nhava Sheva, Pipavav, Colombo, T.Pelepas, Tanjung,...

4-6

5-6

IWCS

GH ZEPHYR

8

SMI

PS3

MOL MAESTRO

ONE

Jebel Ali, Mundra, Hazira, Nhava Sheva

5-6

6-6

SMILE

SSL BRAHMAPUTRA

62

SHR

Cochin, Kanda, Mangalore, Cochin

6-6

MINA

CMA CGM RACINE

CCA

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

7-6

8-6

PIX1

SSL GANGA

48

SHR

Mundra, Hazira, Cochin, Tuticorin, Mangalore, Mundra

7-6

8-6

TIP

MOL GRANDEUR

ONE

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

8-6

9-6

IEX

DIAPOROS

0008W

COS

Colombo, Damietta Piraes Rotterdam, London

7-6

8-6

CIX3

OOCL SEOUL

OCL

Jebel Ali, Mundra, Hazira, Nhava Sheva

09/06

10/06

CI2

WAN HAI 510

129E

WHL

Colombo, Chennai

08/06

09/06

CIX

WAN HAI 503

WHI

Jebel Ali, Mundra, Hazira, Nhava Sheva

09/06

10-6

CWI

AKINADA BRIDGE

GLD

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

ETA

ETD

Service

Vessel Name

3-6

4-6

ME3

3-6

4-6

5-6

Voy

NSICT - Mumbai ETA

ETD

Service

Vessel Name

Voy

Agent/Line

Calling Ports

8-6

9-6

CHX

Mexico

024E

Maersk & Safmarine

Port Elizabeth, Durban, Port Louis, Jebel Ali, Mundra, JNPT, Colombo

2-6

3-3

ECX

SSL Kutch

189

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

5-6

6-6

COASTAL SSL Kochi

183

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

6-6

7-6

MEARSK SHUTTLE

23

8-6

9-6

PIX-2

Maersk Sembawang SSL Bharat

Maersk & Safmarine,XCL Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Valencia, New York, Norfolk, Charleston, Savannah, Freeport

81

Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal ETA

ETD

Service

Vessel Name

Voy

Agent/Line

Calling Ports

05/06

06/06

SWAX

BERMUDA

L0243

CMA

MUN, MBA, DAR, JEC, JEA

06/06

07/06

EPIC2

ROME EXPRESS

L0222

HLI

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

12/06

13/06

SWAX

LYME BAY

L0259

CMA

MUN,MBA,DAR,JEC,JEA

13/06

13/06

EPIC2

ERVING

L0261

CMA

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

14/06

14/06

AACI

XIN LOS ANGELES

L0250

COS

OAK, HPH, CMB, LGB, SHA, LCH

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.

VCTPL, Vizag ETA

ETD

Service

Vessel Name

Voy

Agent/Line

Calling Ports

5-6

6-6

MDM

WAN HAI507

87672E

WHL

6-6

7-6

VKS

ASIATIC DAWN

014S

SSL

7-6

8-6

ADHOC

SSL BHARAT

8-6

9-6

FME

XIN CHI WAN

051E

SIM

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

8-6

9-6

CCG

VARADA

0025

FOC

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

9-6

10-3

FSLVCH

FSL SINGAPORE

005S

MSK

10-6

11-5

CHX

MEXICO

021W

MSK

COS

Port Elizabeth, Durban, Port Louis, Jebel Ali, Mundra, JNPT, Colombo

Ireland To Get Direct Container Service to the US

I

Chennai

Port Wings News Network reland is about to have its first direct container shipping service to the United States. The new routing, which will be the first direct link in years between the two countries, will provide Irish exporters a reliable and fast route for their supply chain.

Independent Container Line (ICL) announced the start of a new weekly, direct service from the Port of Cork that will launch in June 2020. ICL will begin sailing from Ireland every Saturday.

“Ireland is a market we have been keen to develop for a while and we sincerely hope the Irish trade support this commitment by ICL, to bring Ireland its first direct weekly service to the USA East Coast,” said John Kirkland, CEO of ICL. “We look forward to working with the Port of Cork with their exciting expansion plans.”

The new service is set to commence with the sailing of the Independent Vision, a 3000 TEU vessel which is sailing on the ICI route between Wilmington, North Carolina, and Chester in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area and Antwerp and Southampton. Cork will be added to the route beginning on June 6 with the ship arriving 10 days later in Chester, and three days after that in Wilmington.

“The Port of Cork is delighted with this opportunity to work with ICL and support this new direct route to the US,” said Brendan Keating, CEO of the Port of Cork.

“The timing is perfect with the opening of our new €80 million Cork Container Terminal in Ringaskiddy on the horizon and has the potential to grow cargo volumes from and to Ireland.”

ICL has been serving the North Atlantic trade for 35 years focused on niche routes.

June 3rd - 9th Issue

Lower Prices Fuel Demand for Indian Marine Fuel Chennai

Port Wings News Network “Demand is low across the board for bunker fuel and all petroleum products since the lockdown started.

This is why we lowered our prices to stimulate demand,” a key supplier based in Mumbai said, adding that this had led some price-sensitive buyers to switch from Colombo to Mumbai for bunker fuel, according to Platts report.

Lower bunker prices in India have prompted some demand to shift from Sri Lankan ports to Indian ones, offering reprieve to suppliers reeling under the pain of tax burden and shrinking demand owing to coronavirus-led lockdown, an analysis by S&P Global Platts showed this week.

India’s lockdown, which first started March 24, has been extended till May 31, although new guidelines have allowed some relaxations in lockdown restrictions.

“The grade we are seeing more inquiries for is LSMGO because of the price difference between the two ports,” the supplier added.

The price spread between Mumbai and Colombo delivered 380 CST bunker fuel has either been at parity or negative since December 23, with the spread hitting minus $8/ mt Thursday, Platts data showed.

The spread between Mumbai and Colombo delivered Marine Fuel 0.5%S prices, which was $5/ mt March 20, has since then mostly reversed its momentum and was minus $63.50/mt Thursday.

A bunker trader in India said he has seen an uptick in inquiries since the start of 2020, coinciding with the implementation of the International Maritime Organization’s global sulfur limit rule for marine fuels.

Sri Lanka mostly sources its

bunker fuel from Singapore and Fujairah, making the fuel costlier.

This has also been favorable for India, which is long on gasoil, he said, adding that demand for low sulfur fuels including LSMGO had risen drastically since the implementation of the IMO 2020 rule.

Meanwhile, a Colombo-based supplier said that they were refraining from lowering their offers as they did not want to be pressured to sell.

“We wouldn’t consider lowering our offers to match those in Mumbai because we have to consider our freight cost as well so our delivered prices are high from our end,” he added.

India’s lower bunker fuel prices come even though the goods and services tax, or GST, regime is still in place.

India’s new GST regime came into force on July 1, 2017. Under the old value-added tax regime, bunker sales to foreign-going vessels in India were treated as a deemed export. Even if some states taxed bunker sales to the vessels, the amount was negligible, in the range of 0-5%.

Although the initially imposed 18% GST on bunker fuel was reduced to 5% in October 2017, it has continued to affect bunker sales in the country since then, with some shipowners turning to Sri Lanka for their fuel consumption needs.

Eyes on Hambantota Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port is expected to play a pivotal role in ramping up the country’s bunker fuel sales.

The port of is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, within 10 nautical miles of the main shipping route from Asia to Europe

and holding a strategic position on China’s Maritime Silk Road, part of the country’s global development plan the Belt and Road Initiative.

According to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, the $1.5 billion port has eight tanks capable of storing a total 51,000 cu m of marine fuel for vessels.

Sources said that it may take some time before the port reaches its full potential.

Hambantota International Port Group — a joint venture company formed by the Sri Lankan government and China Merchant Port Holdings, or CM Port — awarded Sinopec Fuel Oil Sales Co. a tender in 2019 to provide marine fuel and other ancillary services to vessels calling and passing through Hambantota.

In April, the Chinese Embassy of Sri Lanka said on its Twitter account that HIP welcomed its first oil tanker — Melody– which berthed at the port to discharge fuel and commence bunkering.

“China Merchant imported about 25,000 mt of bunker fuel in April but we haven’t heard any activity there since then,” another bunker supplier in India said, adding that apart from the global COVID-19 impact, the monsoon season was also likely to hinder operations.

“We haven’t even sent any staff there from China yet so it’s not a matter of the monsoon stalling operations there. There’s also the COVID-19 measures. There is no definite start date for operations,” a source with knowledge of the matter said.

“We are not sure if there are plans to outsource bunkering to other suppliers but there is a high chance that the bunkering will be limited to Sinopec and the JV parties,” the source added.

Japan’s Entry Ban on Indian Nationals a Blow to Ship Crew Change Plan Mumbai

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Port Wings News Network apan’s decision to include Indian nationals among ten other new nationalities who are barred from entering Japan is a big blow to Indian seafarers who were banking on crew change in that country, says a BusinessLine report.

The move means foreign nationals who have been to these areas within the last 14 days will be denied entry into Japan, a top maritime nation and among a few nations that had allowed crew change so far.

“When India has started allowing charter flights to carry seafarers to other countries to join ships, other nations are stopping Indians from travelling to their country,” a seafarer said.

India is in the top ten now with regard to Covid cases, he said while urging the government to hold dialogue with member states of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to sort out the issue.

“Because, if you don’t do this

and other countries follow Japan, you will have failed many Indian seafarers and their families,” he added.

A second seafarer said that ship crew should not be clubbed in the

same category as normal passengers.

“Seafarers are vital and key workers who are essential for world trade,” he said.

As the Covid cases rise in India, crew change for Indians is going to be tougher. “Worldwide we may face this situation,” he added.

“Had the government understood that seafarers signing on/off are a different category of travellers and

facilitated it, we would not be faced with such a situation,”, he added.

When the world is clamouring for crew change and countries are opening up to allow at least crews, Japan’s move acts as a deterrent and hindrance, he File Photo added.

The other ten countries are Afghanistan, Argentina, Bangladesh, El Salvador, Ghana, Guinea, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, South Africa and Tajikistan.

Japan’s Foreign Ministry had raised its travel advisory for the 11 nations last week, urging against any trips to the areas.

With their addition, the number of countries and regions covered

by Japan's entry ban climbs to 111, including the United States, most of Asia including China and South Korea, and all of Europe.

7

NEWS - BITS Christophe de Margerie Completes Eastbound Transit of NSR Two Months Earlier Than Usual

On 31 May 2020 at 06:00 Moscow time Christophe de Margerie, an icebreaking LNG carrier owned and operated by SCF Group, successfully completed her passage across the Northern Sea Route (NSR), bound for China with a cargo of LNG for the Yamal LNG project, Sovcomflot says in its press release.

For the first time, a large-capacity vessel of this type has crossed the NSR eastbound in May, when ice conditions in the eastern sector of the NSR remain challenging. Traditionally, the navigation in this sector commences only in July.

The passage from the Port of Sabetta to Cape Dezhnev took the vessel 12 days to complete, during which the LNGC covered 2,563 nautical miles at a speed deemed safe given the navigational conditions.

While on the NSR, Christophe de Margerie was escorted by Atomflot's nuclear-powered icebreaker Yamal. The LNGC has transited the most challenging parts of the route with Yamal’s support, including fast-ice fields in the Vilkitsky Strait, as well as hummocky ice floes in the East Siberian and the Chukchi seas.

Tallink Grupp to Reroute its Vessel Isabelle to Operate on Paldiski-Kapellskär Route From 7 June Tallink Grupp has today announced that it will reroute its vessel Isabelle to operate on the Paldiski-Kapellskär route from Sunday, 7 June 2020 until the end of August 2020.

Currently the company’s vessel Regal Star operates on the only route currently open between Estonia and Sweden, ensuring a vital transport link for cargo and supplies between the two countries. Regal Star has also been carrying passengers with vehicles during the state of emergency to offer a travel lifeline for those people who had unavoidable reasons fort ravelling between the two countries also during the Covid-19 pandemic.

As demand for cargo transport capacity and also for passengers with vehicles has increased in recent weeks and in order to ensure that sufficient space is available for all the passengerson board for social distancing, the company has decided to add another vessel to the route for the period 7 June – 31 August 2020.

The vessel will still predominantly transport cargo between the two countries, but will also take passengers with vehicles, who need to travel between the two countries for reasons other than tourism and leisure.

"Adding Isabelle to the Paldiski-Kapellskär route will give those people who need to travel to and from Sweden or further in the Nordics additional options and also increase capacity for cargo transportation on this vital route. There are many people in Estonia who work in Sweden and Norway and for whom the only way of getting to work and back home is with our vessels. Regal Star has been a real crisis hero for the last few months, ensuring people and cargo keep moving between our two countries, but we have come to a point where Regal Star alone isn’t enough,“ Paavo Nõgene, CEO of Tallink Grupp said.

MV Barracuda Makes First Switch From Dry Cargo to Jet Fuel

Klaveness Combination Carriers's CLEANBU vessel, MV Barracuda, successfully completed this week the first voyage carrying a part cargo of jet fuel to Korea after discharging her previous cargo of soya beans in China in early May. After discharging the soya bean cargo, she went through a thorough cleaning, conversion and meticulous inspections prior to loading jet fuel in Japan, Klaveness Combination Carriers said in its release.

This first successful switching from dry cargo to jet fuel, the CPP cargo with the strictest requirements in terms of tank cleanliness, demonstrates the CLEANBUs’ ability to safely and efficiently switch from dry cargo to the most demanding tanker cargo.

This cargo switching is another example of the substantial value of our CLEANBU concept in terms of efficiency gains and carbon emissions reductions.

Prior to loading soya beans cargo in Brazil, MV Barracuda discharged a cargo of diesel in Argentina, cleaned and switched mode into dry bulk before loading soya beans.

Her total ballast efforts from discharge port in Argentina to loading port in Brazil were about 4 days, while the typical standard bulk carrier would sail empty from Asia, typical 30-40 days. This saves around 2,000 mts of CO2 for the cargo of soya beans.

CUSTOMS EXCHANGE RATES Notification No.46/2020 (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 (100) Korean Won (100)

with effect from 22nd May 2020

RATE (INR) Import Export 50.90 207.20 55.30 10.80 11.35 84.55 9.95 253.30 47.70 7.75 94.05 21.30 20.80 54.40 4.35 8.00 79.90 11.50 21.30 76.60 71.65 6.35

48.65 194.20 53.45 10.50 10.95 81.50 9.60 237.50 45.50 7.50 90.80 20.00 19.55 52.60 4.05 7.75 76.90 10.80 20.00 74.90 69.10 5.95

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

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

8

Innovative Solution for Releasing Containers at Port of Antwerp

Japanese Shipping Consortium To Develop Electric Vessels

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Chennai

Port Wings News Network even Japanese companies have joined forces with the goal of establishing new ocean shipping infrastructure services through various initiatives to develop, realize, and commercialize zero-emission electric vessels by March 2022, according to a media report.

The group named e5 Consortium is comprised Asahi Tanker, Idemitsu Kosan, Exeno Yamamizu Corporation, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance, Tokyo Electric Power Company, and Mitsubishi Corporation.

The seven e5 Consortium corporate members are focusing their attention on fulfilling the potential of electric vessels to solve the urgent issues in coastal shipping.

As explained, coastal shipping in Japan is facing numerous challenges including a shortage of mariners due to the aging of the seagoing workforce as well as the aging of vessels. Furthermore, the coastal shipping industry is required to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) as one of Japan’s measures to address climate change.

“The e5 Consortium will promote the sustainable growth of coastal shipping in Japan and contribute to the nation’s social and economic development by providing added

value to the coastal shipping industry through the development and introduction of advanced vessels,” the partners said in a release.

The partnership builds on the activities already made in the field including Asahi Tanker’s plans to build the world’s first two zero-emission electrically powered bunker tankers.

The newbuilds, powered by large-capacity lithium ion batteries, are planned to be delivered sequentially from March 2022 to March 2023 and will enter Tokyo Bay as marine fuel supply vessels.

Launching of the ships will mark the consortium’s first stage of the project.

The vessels are based on the “e5” design, incorporating five core elements — electrification, environment, economics, efficiency and evolution.

Furthermore, the companies said that they would use e5 Lab. Inc. as the executive office of the e5 Consortium. e5 Lab was established back in 2019,

by MOL, Asahi Tanker, Exeno Yamamizu Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation, to provide new infrastructure services in the marine shipping industry that focus on electrically powered vessels. e5 Lab is focused on developing and promoting the greater use of these relatively clean modes of marine transport.

Korea Eximbank Expands Financial aid for Pandemic-hit Shipbuilders

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Chennai

Port Wings News Network he Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank) has decided to expand financial aid for virus-hit shipbuilders here, in a bid to help them overcome falling sales due to the global spread of the coronavirus pandemic, reports Korea Times.

Initially, the state-run lender planned to provide a fund worth 3.8 trillion won ($3.84 billion) for the sagging shipbuilding industry here.

But with the COVID-19 shock expanding across the globe and bringing bigger-thanexpected losses to their global sales, Eximbank decided to expand the fund to 5.2 trillion won, the lender said on 27 May 2020.

“We expanded the size of the fund for local shipbuilders to overcome the virus-sparked crisis and tighten their global leadership in the industry,” Eximbank CEO Bang Moon-kyu said after holding a conference with leaders of major shipbuilders here.

To listen to the voice from the industry, Bang

on Tuesday visited the nation’s shipbuilding industry cluster of Ulsan, the southeastern port city where major shipyards are located.

The Eximbank chief held the conference with leaders from 10 major shipbuilders and their partner companies with a view to coming up with ideal support measures for the industry.

Hyundai Heavy Industries CEO Han Young-seuk asked for the state-run lender to expand ship finance for local players to secure more capital amid the pandemic shock.

“Chances are that the ongoing slump in receiving ship orders will last for a considerable period of time due to the COVID-19 shock,” Han told Bang during the conference.

“Most players are expected to face difficulties in securing capital for corporate management, so we expect the lender to expand financial aid and help shipbuilders tackle the crisis.”

Ocean Network Express Extends Suspension of China Australia (CAE) Service

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Chennai

Port Wings News Network cean Network Express on 1 June announced the extension of suspension of the China Australia service (CAE) which is jointly operated with Maersk and MSC. According to a media statement from ONE, this suspension is expected to last at least until end of September 2020.

To assist customers during this exceptional time, alternative cover of the CAE ports is provided by inducing a Hong Kong call to the North East Asia Australia (AUN) Service, also jointly operated with the same consortia –

Maersk and MSC. CAE port rotation: *Xiamen, Nansha, Hong Kong, Yantian, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Xiamen AUN port rotation: *Yokohama, Osaka, Pusan, Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo, (Hong Kong), Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, (Hong Kong), Yokohama "ONE would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continual support and for trusting your valuable business to ONE. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact your sales account representative for additional information," said the media statement.

June 3rd - 9th Issue

Chennai

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Port Wings News Network n order to guarantee security and improve the operational efficiency and transparency, Port of Antwerp has introduced a new procedure, namely Certified Pick up. All players involved in container handling will have to join this procedure, the port authorities said.

Container handling at the port of Antwerp is a complex process involving many players.

Releasing containers is a vulnerable and time-consuming process which carries the risk of misuse and mistakes.

The container release process has been made more secure and streamlined by sharing realtime information on a unique central data platform. The system will regulate the release of containers based on coded identification and authorisation information. This development will contribute towards a more secure, effective and resilient supply chain.

For the design and operation of the application Port of Antwerp has teamed up with its subsidiary NxtPort which as a port community platform has already developed a series of digital applications for the Antwerp port community. Based on its knowledge of the Antwerp port sector NxtPort will contribute its know-how to expanding the digital infrastructure of the port.

Obligatory use Certified Pick up will become obligatory for all supply chain partners involved in the

container release process as of November 2020, January 2021 at the latest. All containers leaving an Antwerp port terminal by truck, rail or barge (including transhipment containers and empty shipper-owned containers) fall under this obligation, with the legal framework being included in the Port Police Regulations. Port of Antwerp has opted for a phased approach in order to ensure the stable expansion of the system.

Connection with Certified Pick up Connecting to Certified Pick up will yield advantages of efficiency for operators in the logistics chain. These include improvements in security, simplification of administrative processes and shorter transit times for containers in Port of Antwerp.

In the next few months Port of Antwerp will take the necessary steps to implement Certified Pick up and together with NxtPort it will organise information sessions tailored to the various partners involved in the logistics chain.

First Container Ship Arrives at Stockholm Norvik Port

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Chennai

Port Wings News Network ay 27, 2020 will be remembered in the history books as the day the very first container ship arrived at Sweden’s newest freight port, Stockholm Norvik Port. The Stockholm region accounts for half of Sweden’s entire consumption, and now the opportunities to transport goods by sea as close to their final destination as possible have increased, according to a release.

Stockholm’s new freight port is open, and the first container ship arrived at the port on 27 May, 2020.

The Unifeeder vessel SCA Tunadal claims the port’s maiden container ship call. A long and well-planned port construction project has now crossed the finishing line.

“It is a fantastic feeling to be able at last to open Stockholm Norvik Port and to know that we can now assure the sustainable transport of goods to and from the greater Stockholm region for many, many years to come,” states Johan Wallén, Marketing and Sales Manager at Ports of Stockholm.

The container terminal is now open, both for vessel calls and for shore-based business operations at the port. The container terminal is run by Hutchison Ports, one of the world’s largest container terminal operators, with 52 ports in 27 countries.

“We are looking forward to being able to

offer our customers the best possible service, at a newly built port that provides an efficient port infrastructure and state-of-the-art equipment,” explains Lawrence Yam, CEO, Hutchison Ports Stockholm.

As well as half of Sweden’s consumption happening in the Stockholm region, nine goods in ten arrive in Sweden by sea. The opening of Stockholm Norvik Port increases the opportunities to transport goods by sea as close to their final destination as possible.

The port provides modern and efficient transport solutions through its proximity to the major shipping fairways, a natural depth of 16.5 metres, and good land infrastructure connections, including a newly built railway line.

The new port has opened in uncertain times.

The current situation highlights the importance of always having a functional supply of goods and the necessity of maintaining global and national transport links.

Work is ongoing to complete the other part of Stockholm Norvik Port, the RoRo terminal, which is planned to open during the autumn.

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