Port Wings Maritime Exim Weekly Newspaper 6 Jan 2021 Issue

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Wednesday, January 6, 2021

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Shipping Ministry Kicks Off Ambitious Project of Sagarmala Seaplane Services New Delhi Port Wings News Network inistry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is initiating the process of commencing operations of the Seaplane services, on the select routes, under a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) framework through prospective airline operators.

The project execution and implementation would be through Sagarmala Development Company Ltd (SDCL), which is under the administrative control of the Ministry.

Several destinations are envisaged for seaplane operations.

The proposed Origin-Destination

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pairs under Hub and Spoke model include various islands of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep, Guwahati Riverfront & Umranso Reservoir in Assam, Yamuna Riverfront / Delhi (as Hub) to Ayodhaya, Tehri, Srinagar(Uttrakhand), Chandigarh and many other tourist places of Punjab & HP; Mumbai (as Hub) to Shirdi, Lonavala, Ganpatipule; Surat (as Hub) to Dwarka, Mandvi & Kandla; Khindsi Dam, Nagpur

& Erai Dam, Chandrapur (in Maharashtra) and/or any other Hub & Spoke suggested by the Operator.

One such Seaplane Service

is already in operation between Kevadia and Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, which was inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 31st October 2020.

To run more such services in the coastal areas or proximity to water bodies, SDCL is keen to associate with the interested scheduled / nonscheduled airline operators. The joint development and operation of “Sagarmala Seaplane Services (SSPS)” will be undertaken by forming a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with Sagarmala Development Company Limited (SDCL).

To provide connectivity and easier accessibility to remote locations, SDCL is exploring plans to leverage the potential of the vast coastline and numerous water bodies/rivers across

India by commencing seaplane operations. Sea Plane will utilize the nearby water bodies for take-off and landing and thus connect those places in a much economical way as conventional airport infrastructure like a runway and terminal buildings are not required for seaplane operations.

The seaplanes services will be a game-changer providing a supplementary means of faster and comfortable transportation across the nation. Apart from providing air connectivity to various remote religious/tourist places, it will boost tourism for domestic and international holidaymakers. It will save travel time and stimulate localized short distance travelling especially in the hilly regions or across the rivers/lakes etc. In addition to the infrastructural enhancements at the places of operations, it will enormously boost tourism and business activities.

Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (I/C) Shri Mansukh Mandaviya stated that initiation of Seaplane operations align with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to improve connectivity across the nation and make India as an attractive destination for the tourists. By providing air connectivity to numerous remote, religious/tourist places and unexplored locations near the water bodies will make the journey easier. It will generate employment opportunities and stimulate tourism on these new locations, which will consequently contribute to the country’s GDP in the long run.

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Wing 7 Feather 21

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NHAI To Curb Red-Tapism And Enhance Transparency; Will Use Software To Track Delays In Files Processing New Delhi Port Wings News Network ational Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to deploy software to curb redtapism and enhance transparency!

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said the software will be deployed specifically to track files that will pin-point officials behind delays in disposing of matters, according to a news report in leading financial daily Financial Express.

According to the minister, this will be a part of several measures to enhance efficiency as well as transparency at NHAI. The authority, in the month of June last

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year, had said that it has become the first construction sector organization to go ‘fully digital’ with cloudbased Data Lake Software. Gadkari was quoted in a PTI report saying that red-tapism will no longer be tolerated as delayed decisionmaking results in losses.

According to the Road Transport and Highways Minister, in order to eradicate red-tapism, the ministry will be introducing software that will specifically detect how much time has been taken by one particular official in disposing of any file.

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He further said that work should h a p p e n corruptionf r e e , e f f i c i e n t l y, and timely.

T h o s e officials who do not take decisions in a time-bound manner will be tracked, Gadkari stated. The minister also warned of stern action against such officials.

Besides, the project management consultancy system will be introduced soon, where alignment, forest environment clearance, land acquisition, construction, road safety, utility shifting, designing, and roadside amenitieseverything about the project will be provided. The minister further stated that new technologies are being promoted, while attention is being given on reducing the project construction costs without compromising quality.

Gadkari also mentioned that during the NDA-1 regime, work worth Rs 17 lakh crore has been done by ministries without any corruption. In June last year, NHAI had announced introducing the software- Data Lake in order to forecast the delays, disputes as well as expedite the process of decision making. With the introduction of unique cloud-based and AI-powered big data analytics platform- Data Lake and Project Management Software, NHAI has gone ‘fully digital’

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Inside Changing face of Chinese... Pg-2 Major Port Trusts Can Award... Pg-3 2021 Brings Ray of Hope, Optimism... Pg-4 India Commences Exports of... Pg-5 Vessel Position at Terminals and Ports... Pg-6 Latest Customs Exchange Rates... Pg-7 Pg-7 SpiceJet, PLUSS Sign MoU...

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Jan. 6th - 12th Issue

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Changing face of Chinese consumption Chennai

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

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Wing 7 Feather 21

Rattled and Roiled

he coronavirus pandemic defined the course of the economy in 2020.

Enacted to stem the spread of the virus, the social distancing measures that swept the country this year took a historic toll on the global economy.

And even with a start-and-stop recovery under way, the pandemic has left in its wake scars that will take time to fully fade.

When 2020 dawned, the global economy had just notched its 10th straight year of uninterrupted growth, a streak most economists and government finance officials expected to persist for years ahead in a 21st Century version of the “Roaring ‘20s.”

But within two months, a mysterious new virus first detected in China in December 2019 – the novel coronavirus – was spreading rapidly worldwide, shattering those expectations and triggering the steepest global recession in generations. The International Monetary Fund estimates the global economy to have shrunk by 4.4% this year compared with a contraction of just 0.1% in 2009, when the world last faced a financial crisis.

Government-mandated shutdowns of businesses and any non-essential activities in much of the world unleashed a wave of joblessness not seen since the Great Depression. Still, unemployment levels varied dramatically across the globe.

In some countries, like China, COVID-19 infection levels were effectively suppressed through strict but relatively brief lockdowns, allowing unemployment rates to remain low. Others, such as Germany, deployed government-backed schemes to keep workers on company payrolls even as work dried up.

Elsewhere, including in Brazil and the United States, the uncontrolled spread of the virus and patch-work government health and economic responses fueled rampant job losses. Some 22 million people in the United States were thrown out of work in March and April alone and the unemployment rate jumped to near 15%.

The recovery since then has been led largely by China, which stands alone among major economies in seeing year-over-year growth in exports.

Unprecedented levels of government stimulus prevented even larger damage to many economies but also added to a global mountain of sovereign debt amassed by governments, raising questions about whether a financial crunch is the next crisis the world must deal with.

However, historically low interest rates hovering around – and sometimes below – zero percent mean that debt servicing costs for the Group of Seven (G7) economies are at their lowest since the 1970s, when the debt burden was only a fraction of what it is now.

“Debt today is sustainable and it will remain so for a few years because as long as economic activity and employment have not recovered momentum, central banks are unlikely to do anything with their interest rates. That allows governments to keep up the fiscal support in the form of retention schemes and support to firms,” said Laurence Boone, the OECD’s chief economist.

One offshoot of that largesse has been that consumer spending has held up better than many had expected. While spending on services plunged and remains depressed – at restaurants and for travel and leisure in particular – consumers did lay out for goods, especially big-ticket items such as cars and home improvements that benefited from rock-bottom interest rates.

Port Wings News Network hina is the first major economy to register positive economic growth after the onset of the global public health crisis in 2020. With the macro economy rebounding, the consumer market in China has gradually recovered, new business formats and modes have emerged, consumer behavior and habits have changed, and the consumer market has adopted new features and highlights, reports China Daily.

As China has got a grip on the novel coronavirus, its consumer market is recovering and showing an accelerating trend.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the year-onyear growth rate of China’s total retail sales of consumer goods was negative in the first half of this year.

However, it began to turn around in August, rising by 3.3 percent to 4.6 percent in September and October, respectively.

The contribution of final consumption expenditure to economic growth rebounded, too, from minus 73 percent in the second quarter to 34.9 percent in the third quarter; it was 64.1 percent in the first quarter. The growth in consumption and the contribution of final consumption expenditure continue to rebound, and consumption will remain the main driving force for China’s economic growth.

This year, people’s consumption habits have changed significantly with online shopping becoming an important channel. From January to October, the online retail sales of physical goods in China increased by 16 percent, which was 21.9 percentage points higher than the growth rate of total retail sales of consumer goods, and the proportion of online retail sales of physical goods in the total retail sales reached 24.3 percent.

The development of the digital economy has boosted the emergence of new business formats and modes and accelerated the integration of online and offline shopping. The

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As a result, retail sales in many economies are up on a year-over-year basis, in some instances by more than they were at the end of 2019.

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Most economists expect it to take a year or more for labor markets to return to something resembling the pre-pandemic era. The pandemic delivered a body blow to global trade, with export volumes dropping abruptly to their lowest in nearly a decade in March and April.

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economic situation, consumers have conservative income expectations, making their consumption philosophy more rational. Because of budget constraints, people are more inclined to increase household savings and maximize the utility of their budget. As a result, products and services with simple, moderate, practical, and cost-effective character will find more favor with consumers.

Looking into the future of China’s consumer market, the new consumption pattern will continue to develop with the in-depth application of new technologies such as the mobile internet, cloud computing and artificial intelligence, all driven by the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation. The diversified consumption demand generated by the improvement in residents’ living standards will be better met.

In a word, the new consumption will be an important force that leads domestic economic circulation, and promotes the establishment of the “dual circulation” development paradigm in which the domestic economic cycle plays a leading role while the international economic cycle remains its extension and supplement.

First, the new modes of consumption will innovate continuously, and intelligent, shared, information technology-based and experience-oriented consumption will develop rapidly.

Second, the new content of consumption will expand.

Consumption of commodities with higher quality and lower prices will increase, and services will surpass commodities to become the main part of individual consumption gradually.

Third, the supply of consumption will become more diversified.

Physical retail stores will accelerate their digital transformation.

Online platforms and traditional manufacturing will cooperate deeply. And the personalized, diversified and flexible consumption supply will become more abundant.

Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project Set To Be Beached

Another direct effect of all that government spending has been a surge in savings among consumers in many parts of the world. Government support payouts in developed economies padded household bank accounts and, with consumers hunkered down in the pandemic’s early days in particular, savings rates soared.

They began returning to earth in the latter part of 2020 but remain well Sample TEXT above pre-pandemic levels. Some economists see this as the dry tinder to help fuel an economic rebound in 2021 and beyond when COVID-19 vaccines allow a wider recovery to take hold and consumers to begin moving about – and spending – more freely.

range of online shopping continues to expand from commodities to services such as medical care, education, culture and entertainment.

Door-to-door services such as those for catering and fresh food have grown substantially.

Livestream e-commerce and consumer-to-manufacturer (C2M) customization have driven the innovation of consumption modes.

According to data from the Ministry of Commerce, in the first half of 2020, there were more than 10 million live webcasts, more than 400,000 active hosts, more than 50 billion views and more than 20 million products for sale in online live shows.

The C2M mode combined with “factory live shows” is helping local enterprises develop their own brands, embedding livestream e-commerce into the manufacturing process of goods, and displaying the whole process of commodity manufacturing to consumers through livestreaming.

With the post-1990 generation becoming the backbone of the work force and the post-2000 generation entering the workplace gradually, the “new generation” of young consumers has enhanced purchasing power and their influence on the consumer market is beginning to show.

The “new generation” has distinct consumption concepts, greater acceptance of local brands, more demand for personalized and diversified products, and is willing to pay a premium for unique designs and characteristics. So the demand for domestic popular brands, social interaction and personalized consumption will further increase.

At the same time, because of the country’s aging population, the structure of consumer spending is going to see a change.

The consumption demand for commodities and services intended for seniors will increase rapidly in China, as those born during the baby boom of the 1950s and 1960s will soon be senior citizens. Green and healthy consumption will also receive more attention.

Besides, affected by the macro-

Mumbai

Port Wings News Network ethusamudram Corporation Ltd (SCL) is set to be wound up, bringing to end an ambitious maritime project that turned controversial over religious sentiments, says a BusinessLine report.

“Sethusamudram Corporation has passed a resolution seeking additional grant of ₹115.72 crore from the government to settle the dues of Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) for the works carried out at the project site along with a proposal to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways for winding up SCL,” a government source said. The BJP was opposed to the project when it was in the Opposition.

About the project SCL is a special purpose vehicle (SPV) set up under the Companies Act in 2004, with the Cabinet’s approval, to raise funds and implement the Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project (SSCP) — a shorter shipping route between the east and west coasts of the country.

The SPV was formed with equity participation from state-run firms

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such as Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), DCI, Vizag Port Trust, Kamarajar Port, Chennai Port Trust, Paradip Port Trust and VO Chidambaranar Port Trust. SCI and DCI had invested ₹50 crore and ₹30 crore, respectively, as equity in the project.

Billed as India’s Suez Canal, the ₹2,427.40-crore project was to reduce the voyage time between India’s western and eastern coasts by as much as 36 hours and distance by up to 424 nautical miles (1 nautical mile = 1.82 km), by creating a channel between the Indian mainland and Sri Lanka.

Shipping companies would save on bunker (ship fuel) while India’s exporters-importers would reduce maritime transportation costs.

Ships now take a detour around Sri Lanka. In the absence of a continuous navigational channel connecting the east and west coasts, the ships sailing between the two coasts of India and along the international shipping routes have to circumnavigate Sri Lanka, due to the presence of a reef, known as Adam’s Bridge, located south-east of Rameswaram near Pamban in Tamil Nadu.

An ambitious scheme was formulated to create a continuous navigational channel around the Indian coast to overcome the hurdle.

The SPV has so far spent ₹836.35 crore on the project, which involved boring a new shipping lane connecting the Gulf of Mannar and the Bay of Bengal through Palk Straits and Palk Bay. Supreme Court’s stay Dredging work in Adam’s Bridge area, the controversial part of the project, was stopped from September 2007 in the wake of an interim stay granted by the Supreme Court on a petition brought by Subramanian Swamy, a law maker from the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Ecology and faith In his petition to the SC, Swamy opposed the project saying it would destroy a rock-and-sand ridge built

by Lord Rama.

Since July 2009, all work has been stopped at the project site, pending a final decision on an alternative alignment. At least two experts said the alternative was not “economically and ecologically feasible”.

The final hearing in the matter has been “withheld indefinitely” by the Supreme Court.

Jan. 6th - 12th Issue

GRSE Bids Adieu to 2020 With Double Milestone Chennai

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Port Wings News Network arden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd., (GRSE), a leading warship building and Mini-ratna Category 1 Company under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence, tops off year 2020 with “Delivery” of the “Last of Eight LCU Project” & “Start Production” of the First Ship of Eight ASWSWC Project.

GRSE delivered IN LCU L-58 (Yard 2099), eighth and last in the series of Landing Craft Utility Ships to the Indian Navy. This ship is the 106th Warship built and delivered

by GRSE so far, since its inception in 1960, the highest no. of warships delivered by any Indian Shipyard till date.

The Protocol of delivery and acceptance was signed between Rear Admiral VK Saxena, IN (Retd.), Chairman & Managing Director, GRSE and Lt Cdr Krishan Kumar Yadav in the presence of Cmde Sanjeev Nayyar, IN (Retd), Director (Shipbuilding), Cmde P R Hari, Director (Personnel) and Shri RK Dash, Director (Finance) and other Senior Officials of GRSE and Indian Navy.

The LCU is the third ship delivered by GRSE in 2020, no mean feat considering the operational constraints imposed by the global pandemic of COVID 19.

The Shipyard has delivered 14 ships in the last 42 months which clocks an average of 3 months per ship. The complete design of the LCU Mark IV ships has been developed inhouse by GRSE as per requirements specified by the Indian Navy which necessitate a unique design with no precedence worldwide. The 62.8 m long and 11 m wide LCU has a displacement of 830 T and can achieve a speed of 15 knots. The LCU is designed to accommodate 216 personnel and is equipped with Two Indigenous CRN 91 Guns to provide Artillery Fire support during landing operations. The ship is fitted with State-of-the-Art Equipment and Advanced Systems like the Integrated Bridge System (IBS) and the Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS). In

line with the Govt. of India’s Make In India Initiative towards Self Reliance & Indigenisation efforts, the LCU Mark IV Class of Ships are fitted with close to 90% indigenous equipment fit and multiple innovations.

LCU L-58 being delivered by GRSE today to the Indian Navy shall join the fleet of ships at Andaman & Nicobar Command. The Andaman & Nicobar Archipelago whilst acting as the extended arms of India, straddle one of the busiest trade

routes in the world leading into the South China Sea and keeping the islands safe is one of the chief responsibilities of the Indian Navy.

The Eight LCUs with high military lift capabilities built by GRSE, shall form the backbone of the Maritime Security Cover and HADR activity in the A&N Archipelago.

GRSE is also currently executing three major projects of the Indian Navy pertaining to the construction of 03 Stealth Frigates, 04 Survey Vessel (Large) ships and 08 AntiSubmarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASWSWCs). The last two projects have been won on competitive bidding.

Today is also the ‘Start Production’ Day for the First of Eight ASWSWCs which is the first ‘Milestone’ in shipbuilding and signifies commencement of vessel construction after design engineering phase. The compact and complex stealth crafts are designed by GRSE. The platforms will be packed with state-of-theart weapons and sensors like Hull Mounted Sonar, Towed Sonar, Torpedo Launchers and Rocket Launcher to interdict and destroy

sub-surface targets in coastal waters. The crafts are capable of ‘Search & Rescue’ and ‘Low Intensity Maritime Operations’ and are propelled by water-jets capable of doing high speeds.

Since its takeover by the Government of India in 1960, GRSE has delivered high-end warships ranging from Fast Patrol Vessels, Survey Vessels, LSTs, LCUs, Fleet Tanker, Frigates and Missile & ASW Corvettes. The shipyard also has the distinction of achieving over 90% indigenous content, onboard ASW Corvettes, a significant advancement towards selfreliance in state-of-the-art warship design and construction.

Having modernized its infrastructure facilities, GRSE is using Advanced Modular Integrated Shipbuilding Technology in line with the best in the world. This has helped enhance its capacity to the present level of constructing 20 warships concurrently. On 14 Dec 2020, GRSE created history with the launching of the first of three Stealth Frigates, “Himgiri” under prestigious Project 17A. The shipyard has a healthy order book of over Rs 26,000/- Crore for construction of 15 warships of the Navy to be completed progressively by the year 2027.

GRSE has also diversified into ‘Engineering’ business and more than 5300 Portable Steel Bridges have been supplied to Indian Army, Border Road Organisation and State Governments. These bridges have also been exported to friendly neighborhood countries including, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka & Bhutan. GRSE also undertakes production of Deck Machinery Items which are fitted on GRSE built ships as well as those built by other shipyards in the country. Assembly, Testing and Overhauling of MTU Diesel Engines is undertaken at GRSE’s Diesel Engine Plant at Ranchi.

Major Port Trusts Can Award Dredging Works To DCI On Nomination Basis Chennai

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Port Wings News Network entre-owned major port trusts will have to give dredging works on nomination basis (without tender) to Dredging Corporation of India Ltd (DCI) according to the draft dredging guidelines for major ports prepared by the ministry of ports, shipping and waterways, reports BusinessLine.

“Major Ports may entrust a dredging project to a ports’ owned company, in which it owns controlling share, on nomination basis on approval of Board of Trustees/ Directors of the Port,” says the draft prepared by the ministry and circulated for public consultation.

“Whenever this route for award (of contract) is followed, the principle of competitive market price discovery for the same quality and conditions shall be followed,” it said.

“The major ports may invite open

competitive bidding for dredging projects after obtaining the approval of Board of Trustees/Directors,” it stated.

The Ministry reserves the right to assign in public interest, any contract for dredging work in any major port on nomination basis to ports owned dredging company following due settlement process, it further said.

The circulars issued by the ministry under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” or Make in India or similar policies issued from time to time shall be followed.

Visakhapatnam Port Trust, Paradip Port Trust, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust and Deendayal Port Trust acquired the Central government’s 73.47 per cent stake in DCI for ?1,056 crore in March 2019.

“However, the draft guidelines lack clarity on the applicability of the right of first refusal (RoFR) available to Indian flagged

dredgers in tenders floated by major ports trusts,” said a dredging industry official. “This will create confusion,” he said. Currently, Indian flagged dredgers have the right to match the lowest rate quoted by foreign flagged dredgers and take up the work if they come within ten per cent of the lowest bid.

In the absence of a specific reference to the RoFR in the draft guidelines, Indian dredging firms will lose the opportunity to match the lowest rate quoted by a foreign flagged dredger and take up the work, the industry official said.

The draft guidelines aim to move towards international standard of working by adopting CIRIA methodology for cost estimation of dredging works, PIANC classification for soil modelling and survey techniques based on International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH)/International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) requirements.

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Cargo Growth Turns Positive on Y-o-Y basis for the First Time in October-November 2020 Chennai

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Port Wings News Network argo at Indian ports has turned positive for the first time after seven consecutive months in October and November 2020, recording a 3% and 1% Y-o-Y growth respectively. During MarchSeptember 2020, the Indian port sector has been adversely impacted due to the Covid-19 outbreak and the subsequent lockdown introduced

by India and other major economies.

Although, the sector was classified under essential services and remained operational post the initial period of lockdown, the adverse impact on the domestic economic activity as well as slowdown in global trade has resulted in steep contraction in cargo volumes at the Indian ports.

While positive growth in the past two months is positive, for the 8M FY2021, cargo has reported a 12% decline however, the same is significant improvement compared to the 22% decline recorded in Q1 FY2021. The pace of decline has moderated sequentially every month for key cargo segments, indicating continuing signs of a recovery.

Mr. Ankit Patel, Vice President and Co-Head, ICRA Ratings, mentioned, “POL, coal and container segment have witnessed a contraction with ~13%, ~23% and ~12% Y-o-Y decline during 8M FY2021. However, there are definite signs of recovery given that in October-November these three segments recorded significantly better performance than previous months. The pace of recovery in the port sector will be contingent on the pace of recovery of the domestic industrial activity and the global economy. Further, factors like

changes in the global supply chain pattern during the recovery phase will also have an impact on the cargo profile. Despite the expectation of a better H2FY2021, due to the significant under-performance in H1FY2021, ICRA expects volume contraction of about 10% in full year FY2021.”

Regarding the varying impact on different cargo categories, Mr. K. Ravichandran, Executive VP and Dy. Chief Rating Officer, ICRA Ratings, mentioned “We had earlier anticipated the recovery in essential products like POL and thermal coal to be relatively faster than containers. Containers are also facing a challenge in terms of shortage of containers on intraAsian and certain other trade routes due to supply chain and trade imbalance issues. However, container cargo at Indian ports has seen a better than anticipated trade volume growth and hence compared to the earlier expectation of a 1215% decline, FY2021 is now likely to see a 10-12% decline. This is largely driven by the quicker than earlier expected pickup in industrial output and consequently higher exim volumes.”

ICRA believes that the credit profile of port sector companies would continue to remain under pressure on account of the lower than anticipated cargo volumes during FY2021, especially those that have just commenced operations or concluded debt funded capacity expansions or have a concentrated cargo profile. Nonetheless, well diversified players (cargo-wise) and SPVs promoted by stronger sponsors should have higher financial flexibility to weather this downturn and their debt servicing is unlikely to be materially impacted.

Seaways Shipping, MOL Logistics Sign MoU To Provide end-to-end Logistic Solutions Chennai

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Port Wings News Network eaways Shipping and Logistics Limited (Seaways Shipping) & MOL Logistics (India) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] to provide Supply Chain & turnkey Logistics services to customers all over the country.

This collaborative relationship between Seaways Shipping and MOL will enable the two companies to associate in prospective bids and project proposals with various clients in India and abroad.

The areas of collaboration cover all turnkey logistics activities including Warehousing, Customs Clearance, Container Line (NVOCC), Vessel Agency, Transportation/ Trucking, Bulk Cargo handling, Supply Chain Management, Procurement and other logistics.

On entering into this MoU, P Vivek Anand, Director (Marketing) of Seaways said “We are delighted to enter into this collaboration. Both MOL Logistics and Seaways are well-established large players in this industry, and we are uniquely placed to leverage our individual strengths. While Seaways has a

strong understanding of the Indian business environment and enjoys the confidence of a large client base, MOL Logistics brings to the table its global network, long-standing clients and an enviable track record.

We will now be able to offer our customers a wide range of shipping and logistics solutions that are more efficient and cost-effective across any part of the world”.

Ryoji Yamamoto, Director of MOL Logistics (India) was equally elated, when he said “To meet our ambitious growth plans, we have been actively looking at expanding our presence across various

geographies. India has tremendous potential for growth, and we are looking forward to this collaboration with Seaways Shipping.” Shekhar Kotian, Director of MOL Logistics (India), said “The MoU will enable both our companies to grow together, and also help clients experience truly world-class solutions”.

Jan. 6th - 12th Issue

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2021 Brings Ray of Hope, Optimism for Exporting Community: FIEO Chief Sharad Kumar Saraf New Delhi Port Wings News Network IEO President Mr Sharad Kumar Saraf has said that the New Year 2021 brings a ray of hope and optimism for the exporting community as we all expect that the worst effect of Covid-19 will vanish from the globe and effective vaccines will bring life and economy back on track. We are confident that a V- shaped recovery will be witnessed in world trade and we will recover much more from what we lost in 2020 said Mr Sharad Kumar Saraf.

Fortunately for us, the decline in exports in the 3rd and 4th quarter of 2020 has been largely addressed with even a few months of positive exports. Since the first and second quarter have been pretty bad, we may end the financial year 2020-21 with exports of around USD 290 Bn, added FIEO President. However, looking into the extremely good order booking position for food including processed food, pharma, medical and diagnostic products, technical textiles, chemical, plastics, electronics and networking products, we should endeavor to take exports to USD 350 Bn in 2021-22. This looks ambitious but definitely achievable, if we address our supply side challenges. FIEO Chief further added that with the

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WTO now in its recent forecast has projected a 9.2% decline in the volume of world merchandise trade for 2020, followed by a 7.2% rise in 2021. Further the global trade body in an optimistic scenario also said that the global merchandise trade could fall 13% in 2020 with a rebound 21% in 2021, which also adds to the enthusiasm among the exporting community.

FIEO Chief reiterated that exports growth is vital to clock 8% plus GDP growth and to reach the milestone of USD 5 trillion economy. Our exports strategy should be two pronged: one focussing on sectors where major imports are happening and other to boost traditional sectors, which are important for exports as well as employment.

Mr Saraf said that today, the major contributor to global trade consists of: Electronics & Electricals, Machinery, Automobile, Pharma and Medical equipment, accounting for about 40% of Global Imports,

Mr Sharad Kumar Saraf FIEO President in which our current share is less than 0.9%. It is very satisfying that the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is rightly focusing on these sectors. Once we create production capabilities in these products, pushing exports at a brisk pace should not be a challenge.

FIEO President however added that both for attracting exports led FDI and exports, we require robust FTAs with some of our major partners like: US, EU and UK, which should be our priority.

DECEMBER EXPORTS MOVE TOWARD POSITIVE TERRITORY: FIEO Reacting to December 2020 export figures, FIEO President, Mr Sharad Kumar Saraf said that

the monthly exports have moved towards positive territory as major export products show signs of further revival as expected.

Marginal decline of just 0.8 percent with USD 26.89 billion of exports showing signs of revival as order booking position have continuously improved besides more new orders in the offing added Mr Sharad Kumar Saraf. He reiterated that the New Year 2021 has brought a ray of hope and optimism for all from the worst of Covid-19 and effective vaccines are expected to bring both life and economy back on growth trajectory with a v-shaped recovery in world trade. Arrival of vaccines have also helped in boosting the business sentiments for the sector as a whole, which can be further seen from the positive figures of the upcoming months said Mr Saraf.

FIEO President added that December exports also signals that our traditional and labour-intensive

sectors of exports have passed the most challenging and testing times as both Christmas and New Year Season sales have shown positive trends with further improvement in coming months. Going ahead by this trend, we expect our inventories to be liquidated, adding further to the overall demand, observed Mr Saraf.

FIEO Chief said that the exports of other cereals along with oil meals, iron-ore, cereal preparations and miscellaneous processed items, jute mfg. including floor covering, handicrafts excl. handmade carpet, carpet, ceramic products and glassware, drugs and pharmaceuticals, spices, electronic goods, fruits and vegetables, organic and inorganic chemicals, cotton yarn/fabrics/made-ups, handloom products etc., rice, meat, dairy and poultry products, gems and jewellery, mica, coal and other ores, minerals including process, tea and engineering goods showed either a very high or impressive growth or were in positive territory showing signs of further revival.

Mr Saraf also said that reduction in exports of major products including petroleum products, oil seeds, leather and leather manufactures, coffee, RMG of all textiles, manmade yarn/fabrics/made-ups etc., marine products, cashew, plastic and linoleum and tobacco and which are major constituents in India’s export basket and related to labourintensive sector of exports have also been of key concern during the month. However, increase in imports during December 2020 by 7.6 percent to USD 42.60 billion compared to the same period during the previous fiscal led to a trade deficit of USD 15.71 billion with a substantial increase of 25.88 percent during the month.

FIEO Chief also said that the operationalization of the new RoDTEP effective from January 1, 2021 will remove uncertainty from the minds of the trade and industry and being WTO compatible, the same would provide complete rebating of Indian exports by refunding the taxes including embedded taxes, not rebated through any other mechanism. However notification of the rates is the need of the hour. Mr Sharad Kumar Saraf urged the government to address some of the key issues including adequate availability of containers, softening of freight charges, release of the required MEIS benefits and clarity on SEIS benefits, resolving risky exporters issues, introduction of NIRVIK Scheme, long pending demand for the creation of an Export Development Fund for marketing of Brand India products and various other infrastructure bottlenecks with regard to customs and port clearances, which will further help in giving boost to our exports not only in FY’ 2020-21 but also for the upcoming new fiscal.

Cabinet Approves Deepening, Optimization of Inner Harbour Facilities at Paradip Port New Delhi Port Wings News Network he Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the project ‘Deepening and Optimization of Inner Harbour Facilities including Development of Western Dock on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis under Public-Private Partnership (PPP)mode to handle cape size vessels at Paradip Port’.

Financial Implications: The estimated cost of the project is Rs.3,004.63 Crore.

This includes development of the new Western Dock on BOT basis and capital dredging by the selected Concessionaire at a cost of Rs.2,040 Crore and Rs.352.13 Crore respectively; and Paradip Port’s investment will be to the tune of Rs.612.50 Crore towards providing Common Supporting Project Infrastructure.

Details: The proposed project envisages Construction of Western Dock Basin with facilities to handle cape size vessels by the selected BOT Concessionaire with an ultimate capacity of 25 MTPA (Million tonnes per annum) in two phases of 12.50 MTPA each.

The Concession period shall be 30 years from the date of Award of Concession. Paradip Port Trust (Concessioning Authority) shall provide the Common Supporting Project Infrastructure works like breakwater extension & other ancillary works to facilitate handling of cape size vessels.

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Implementation Strategy and Targets: The project would be developed by the selected Concessionaire on BOT basis. However, the Port will provide the Common Supporting Project Infrastructure.

Impact: On commissioning of the project, it shall cater to the requirement of coal & limestone imports besides export of granulated slag & finished steel products considering the large number of steel plants established in the hinterland of Paradip Port.

The project shall also facilitate (i) de-congestion of the Port, (ii) reduce Sea freight making coal imports cheaper, and (iii) boost the industrial economy in the hinterland of the port leading to creation of job opportunities.

Background: Paradip Port Trust (PPT), a Major Port under Government of India and administered under the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963, was commissioned in 1966 as a mono commodity port for export of iron ore. In the last 54 years, the Port has transformed itself to handle a variety of Exim cargoes which include iron ore, chrome ore, aluminium ingots, coal, POL, fertilizer raw materials, limestone, clinker, finished steel products, containers, etc.

In particular, the demand for import of coking coal & fluxes and export of finished steel products has been increasing in view of number of Steel Plants established in the hinterland of the Port necessitating capacity creation to cater to the Port hinterland requirements.

Nitin Gadkari Inaugurates 33 National Highway Projects in Karnataka Chennai

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Port Wings News Network hri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, inaugurated 33 National Highway projects across road length of 1200 km and value of Rs 11,000 crore in Karnataka via video conferencing recently.

The Chairman, NMPT along with President, CII welcomed the project launches and thanked the Union Minister, the Karnataka Government, the Dakshina Kannada MP and State BJP President for the same, as well as for the positive development on construction of a tunnel to improve connectivity between Mangaluru and Bengaluru.

The Chairman appreciated the Rs 3443 crore project for 4-laning of the 278 km coastal road from Goa Border to Kerala Border connecting the port cities of Belekeri, Karwar and Mangaluru, saying that it would ensure smooth flow of cargo to and from the ports.

He said that the project for construction of six-lane bridge at Kulur at a cost of Rs 69 crore would bring respite to the public and the industries around this area, alike, as the stretch from KIOCL to Surathkal is facing serious congestions throughout the day.

The next step would be to construct a flyover between KIOCL junction to Baikampady junction to separate the industrial vehicle traffic from the non-industrial vehicle traffic, thus improving the average speed of traffic and also mitigating the risk of accidents.

Chairman, NMPT said that the biggest bottleneck for the port and the industries in the hinterland is negotiating the Ghat sections, transportation through which is very slow and prone to risk. In addition, due to poor condition, every year these highways get closed for weeks during and after monsoons, thus increasing the transportation costs for the EXIM trade, disrupting the supply chains and adversely impacting the economy.

He thanked the Union Minster for inaugurating the projects for construction of retaining walls for the highway stretch, drainage, and other safety measures in the Ghat sections of the National Highways leading to the por -- i. Project worth Rs 58.8 crore in Sampaje Ghat stretch of the Mangaluru-Madikeri highway (NH 275), ii.Project worth Rs 26.5 crore in the Shiradi Ghat, and iii. Project worth 19.5 crore in the Charmadi Ghat; saying these projects would strengthen the weakest link in port connectivity.

Further, he said the best news for not only the industries and the port, but also for the public in Southern coastal Karnataka was the announcement regarding the 23.6 km tunnel, which will reduce the travel time between Mangaluru and Bengaluru. He explained that the critical aspect of this project is the definite availability of an allweather road rather than the time saving. He added that this project would reduce the business risk and costs for industries in the hinterland.

He concluded by saying these road projects would transform the trade and economy in the region.

Jan. 6th - 12th Issue

Ahead Of Turning ‘Landlords’, 11 Major Ports To Roll Out Special VRS Mumbai

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Port Wings News Network leven state-owned major port trusts have received approval from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to roll out a special voluntary retirement scheme (SVRS) as the government moves to trim flab ahead of a planned makeover of the governance structure of these entities, reports BusinessLine.

The 11 major port trusts have about 25,000 employees comprising Class 1 and 2 officers and Class 3 and 4 cargo handling and non-cargo handling workers.

An employee opting for SVRS will be entitled to an ex-gratia payment equivalent to one-andhalf months’ emoluments (basic pay plus DA) for each completed year of service, or the value of the emoluments that would have become payable for the balance months of service left, whichever is less.

Employees who have completed not less than 30 years of service will be eligible for up to 60 months’ salary as compensation. This will be subject to the amount not exceeding the salary for the balance period of service left.

The scheme will be applicable to employees who have completed 10 years of service and 40 years of age.

“The board should ensure that

SVRS is extended primarily to such employees whose service may be dispensed without detriment to the port trust,” said the standard guidelines issued by the ministry.

“Care will be exercised to ensure that highly skilled and qualified workers and staff are not given the SVRS option and possibilities may be explored to accommodate them in other departments of the port,” the

guidelines said. “All posts falling vacant as a result of the SVRS shall be abolished and they shall not be eligible for revival.” The scheme will be open for six months.

Ports as landlords The Major Port Authorities Bill has been passed in the Lok Sabha and is currently awaiting nod from the Rajya Sabha. Under the new law, the 11 ports will turn landlords — a model widely followed globally wherein the port authority maintains ownership of the port

while the infrastructure is leased to private companies that provide and maintain their own superstructure and install their own equipment to handle cargo. The landlord port, in return, gets a share of the revenues from the private entity.

Thousands of workers are expected to become redundant under the new governance structure, wherein the port authority will be a lean entity.

Separating w o r k e r s voluntarily will raise the profitability of these ports by reducing the operating costs.

“It is imperative to make the major port trusts competitive by reducing the transaction costs not only to retain the business but also to accelerate their economic development and growth,” said a government official.

Workers unions, though, see a “hidden agenda” behind the SVRS plan. “By reducing the manpower, the government’s intention is to dilute workers’ resistance when the port authority goes for corporatisation,” said T Narendra Rao, General Secretary, Water Transport Workers’ Federation of India.

Great Eastern Pips SCI To Become India’s Top Ship Owner By Fleet Size Mumbai

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Port Wings News Network he Great Eastern Shipping Co Ltd has overtaken Shipping Corporation of India Ltd (SCI) to become India’s biggest ship owner by fleet size but ceded the higher market capitalisation slot to SCI as its scrip galloped in the run-up to the issue of expression of interest for the privatisation of the state-run carrier, according to a BusinessLine report.

SCI has been ranked India’s biggest ship owner by fleet size for years. At closing price on the Bombay Stock Exchange last week, SCI had a market cap of ₹3,994 crore at ₹85.75 a share while Great Eastern’s market cap was ₹3,858 crore at ₹262.55 a share.

Market cap Despite having a higher share price, the market cap of Great Eastern Shipping is lower than SCI mainly because of the lesser number of equity shares – 14,69,66,484 to SCI’s 46,57,99,010.

The last time, SCI’s market cap was higher than Great Eastern was in 2011.

In terms of fleet size, Great Eastern now owns 69 ships compared to SCI’s 59.

SCI’s 59 ships translate into a total tonnage of 5.29 million dead weight tonnes (DWT), representing 35 per cent of India’s total tonnage.

DWT refers to the cargo carrying capacity of a ship.

In comparison, Great Eastern’s 69 ships have a tonnage of 3.86 million DWT (excluding the four oil drilling rigs), accounting for a 25 per cent share of the country’s shipping tonnage.

The consolidated revenue of SCI for the first half of FY21 was ₹2,055.30 crore, while that of Great Eastern was ₹1,930.67 crore.

SCI’s fleet of 59 ships includes two container ships, 13 crude oil carriers, 15 dry bulk carriers, one liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) / ammonia carrier, ten off-shore supply vessels, 13 product carriers and five very large crude carriers.

Great Eastern owns 69 ships comprising 11 crude oil tankers, 17 product tankers, 5 LPG carriers, 13 dry bulk carriers, 19 off-shore vessels and four oil drilling rigs.

Second-hand market Unlike SCI, the Great Eastern Shipping is very active in the second-hand sale-purchase market, buying nine ships since FY18 and selling seven ships for further trading/scrapping.

“Despite having greater financial freedom that comes with its ‘navratna’ status, SCI has stayed clear of buying second-hand ships for various reasons, one of which is to avoid the glare of the government auditor,” a shipping industry executive said.

SCI has purchased just three ships since FY18, incidentally all second-hand ships, for the first time. The last ship to be added to its fleet was a very large gas carrier in September 2017.

SCI sold 9 ships since FY18, mostly for scrapping.

On December 22, the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) invited expression of interest to privatise Shipping Corporation by selling the government’s 63.75 percent stake to a strategic buyer.

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Krishnapatnam Port Management Reach Pact With Workers Union To End Stand-Off Chennai

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Port Wings News Network he management of Krishnapatnam Port Co Ltd (KPCL) reached an agreement with Krishnapatnam Port Clearing and Forwarding Workers Union on December 31 to end a stand-off with a section of the port workers over shorter working hours and wage arrears, among other issues.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was finalised by the management of the Adani Groupowned port with the CITU-affiliated union in the presence of Udaya Lakshmi, Principal Secretary, Labour, Government of Andhra Pradesh.

The port management was represented by Ganesh Sharma, HR Head, N Bhavani Prasad from Teskay Logistics and B Balamurali Krishna from Seaport Cargo Logistics.

The Krishnapatnam Port Clearing and Forwarding Workers Union had urged the port management to ensure 8 hours work per day instead of 12 hours, settlement of statutory dues, job guarantee, payment of bonus and overtime before moving to new service provider.

As per the MOU, the management has agreed to implement 8 hours working day system immediately, said T Narendra Rao, General Secretary, Water Transport Workers Federation of India.

The bonus for 2019-20 will

be paid before 30 January to all contract workers.

All the workers in KPCL with old contractors will join the new service providers. “It is a great success for continuation in service of all the workers,” Rao said.

All the workers will claim benefits from the previous management, and it is not full and final settlement as offered by management earlier.

For all statutory benefits, it is the responsibility of the principal employer if the contractor fails to pay.

The Deputy Commissioner of Labour, Nellore will enquire and submit a report on the 26 workers who were victimised for trade union activities, Rao said.

If any accident takes place within the port areas or in any accidental case of death to whom the workmen compensation was so far not paid, would be paid immediately.

The Principal secretary, Labour Department, further directed KPCL management to recognize the union affiliated to CITU which is the only union operating in KPCL. There will not be no victimization of leaders and workers of the Union, Rao said referring to the MOU. In October, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) completed the acquisition of a 75 per cent stake in Krishnapatnam Port Company Ltd (KPCL) from the CVR Group for an enterprise value of ₹12,000 crore.

India Commences Exports of Moringa Powder New Delhi Port Wings News Network n a bid to promote Moringa (botanical name Moringa oleifera) products exports from India, APEDA has been supporting private entities in creating necessary infrastructure. Two tonne of organic certified Moringa powder were sent to the United States through air consignment on 29 December 2020.

The event was flagged off by Dr. M. Angamuthu Chairman, APEDA, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India.

One of the APEDA registered exporter from Telangana, M/s Medikonda Nutrients has been supported to start the export activities in a planned manner. The company has 240 hectare of Moringa plantation which includes land owned by the company and contract farming entered under the certified organic status of the produce. The company plans to export around 40 metric tonne of Moringa leaves powder to USA. The company has set up Moringa products processing unit in Gongloor Village, Pulkal Mondal Sangareddy district of Telangana.

APEDA has been constantly

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facilitating the budding exporter for enhancing the Moringa exports from India.

With more Moringa processing units being created through support of APEDA, the exports would be increasing in the next few years which would bring benefits to the farmers. Moringa has been used for centuries due to its medicinal properties and health benefits in various forms. Globally, the demand for Moringa products,

such as Moringa Leaf Powder and Moringa Oil, has been witnessing healthy growth.

Moreover, international organizations and institutions are exploring the best ways on how to use Moringa as a nutritional supplement and in food fortification. There are several species of Moringa across the world.

Its usage has been well received among the global consumers for its nutritional, medicinal, culinary uses.

6

Vessel Position at Terminals - (06.01.2021 To 13.01.2021)

Jan. 6th - 12th Issue

7

CITPL - Chennai

CCTL - Chennai ETA

ETD

Service

Vessel Name

Voy

05/01

06/01

CCG

MOGRAL

05/01

06/01

CI5

INTERASIA HERITAGE

07/01

08/01

COST

TCI PRABHU

Agent/Line

Calling Ports

ETA

ETD

Service

Vessel Name

Voy

Agent/Line

Calling Ports

SHR

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

05/01

06/01

FME

ZANTE

083E

RCF

Port Kelang(North port) – Singapore, Shanghai

TAO, PUS, SHA, SKU, SIN, PKW, PKG

07/01

08/01

MD1

CAPE MAYOR

19702E

WAN

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

Port klang

09/01

10/01

FME

SEROJA TIGA

OFD1YE1MA

CMA

Port Kelang(North port) – Singapore,Shangha

09/01

10/01

TCXNEW

XIN QIN HUANG DAO

063E

CCO

Port Kelang(North port) – Singapore,Shangha

09/01

10/01

CI3

COSCO DURBAN

088

CCO

Port Kelang(North port) – Singapore,Shangha

TSL

Kattupalli ETA

ETD

Service

Vessel Name

Voy

Agent/Line

Calling Ports

5-1

6-1

IVX

ASIATIC KING

001W

GOL

7-1

8-1

CI5

INTERASIA HERITAGE

25

IAS

TAO/PUS/SHA/SKU/SIN/PKW/PKG

8-1

9-1

TCX

XIN QIN HUANG DAO

063E

CCO

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

Kakinada Container Terminal

9-1

10-1

ACS

HYUNDAI PRESTIGE

080E

HMM

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

10-1

11-1

CCG

MOGRAL

33

SIM

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

11-1

12-1

SHTL

MAERSK KENTUCKY

101W

MSK

NSICT - Mumbai ETA

ETD

Service

Vessel Name

5-1

6-1

ME2

MAERSK GAIRLOCH

Voy

Halida, Colombo

14/01

15/01

KAK>CMB

RHL ASTRUM

SAMSARA

Halida, Colombo

DAKSHINBHARATH GATEWAY TERMINAL / Tuticorin 6-1

7-1

CTS

MV.VLADIVOSTOK

167S

FAR SHIPPING

COLOMBO, TUTICORIN, COLOMBO

7-1

8-1

TUX

MV.OEL SHARVAN

20181

TWF

COLOMBO, TUTICORIN, COLOMBO

CTS

MV.VLADIVOSTOK

168S

FAR SHIPPING

COLOMBO, TUTICORIN, COLOMBO

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

10/01

11/01

CHINA INDIA SERVICE II

MV.WAN HAI 507

193

OMEGA SHIPPING

TUTICORIN, PORT KELANG, QINGDAO, SHANGHAI, NINGBO

MIDAS

AS CYPRIA

CCA

8-1

9-1

CSC

HAYDN

HMM

08/01

09/01

ADHOC

VIRA BHUM

RCL

09/01

10-1

MWE

LISA

MSK

MECL

MAERSK KENSINGTON

Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Port Qasim, Singapore

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

Colombo,Damietta Piraes Rotterdam, London

MSK

APM Terminal - Mumbai

7-1

SAMSARA

10-1

9-1

7-1

SH053R

9-1

8-1

6-1

RHL ASTRUM

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

MSK

CIX

KAK>CMB

MSK

UNI FORTUNA

7-1

11-1

COLOMBO, TUTICORIN, COLOMBO

BLUENILE

6-1

10-1

BTL

7-1

Voy

Calling Ports

MV.XPRESS COTOPAXI 20012S

6-1

Vessel Name

Agent/Line

BOX

MSK

Service

Voy

9-1

LEONIDIO

ETD

Vessel Name

8-1

MESAWA

ETA

Service

Calling Ports

6-1

11/01

ETD

Agent/Line

5-1

10/01

ETA

ICTT - Vallarpadam ETA

ETD

6-1

Service

Vessel Name

Voy

Agent/Line

7-1

SSL MUMBAI

120

SHR

6-1

7-1

SSL BRAHMAPUTRA

75

SHR

6-1

7-1

WAN HAI 507

193E

WHL

7-1

8-1

TCI ANAND

193E

WHL

7-1

8-1

MAERSK AVON

2014

BTL

8-1

9-1

SCI MUMBAI

SM497

SCI

9-1

10-1

NORTHERN ROCK

1

SMI

09/01

10/01

VARDA

0031E

SMI

10/01

11/01

SM KAVERI

4

SMI

10/01

11/01

CHIPOLBROK STAR

1

PSA

Agent/Line

Calling Ports

WAN HAI 503

WHI

Jebel Ali, Mundra,Hazira,Nhava Sheva

CWX

TOMMI RITCHER

SEC

8-1

MINA

MAYSSAN

HLI

Jebel Ali, Mundra,Hazira,Nhava Sheva

11/01

12/01

MCP LINZ

52

SCI

8-1

9-1

FM3

MAERSK BOGOR

MSK

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

11/01

12/01

MAERSK AVON

2108

BTL

11/01

12/01

MEXICO

101E

MSK

8-1

9-1

ASX

NAGOYA TOWER

TWF

Jebel Ali, Mundra,Hazira,Nhava Sheva

13/01

14/01

SSL BHARAT

090

SHR

10-1

11-1

CWX

BELLATRIX I

SEC

12-1

13/01

NMG

CAPE MORETON

SEC

China May Reverse Ship Recycling Ban

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

VCTPL, Vizag ETA

ETD

Service

Vessel Name

Voy

Agent/Line

Calling Ports

7-1

8-1

ADHOC

MSC AGATA

XA101A

MSC

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

7-1

8-1

CCG

MOGRAL

33

SMI

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

8-1

9-1

FME

ZANTE

083E

RCL

Port Kelang(North port) – Singapore, Shanghai

8-1

9-1

MDM

CAPE MAYOR

19702E

WHL

Colombo

9-1

10-1

IEX

MOL GAURDIAN

035E

ONE

Colombo, Damietta Piraes Rotterdam, London

10-1

11-1

CCG

VARADA

32

SMI

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

10-1

11-1

ADHOC

SSL KUTCH

204

SSL

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

11/01

12/01

FME

SEROJA TIGA

0F1YE1MA

CMA

Port Kelang(North port) – Singapore, Shanghai

13/01

14/01

CHX

KOTA LATIF

053W

MSK

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

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.

Calling Ports

E

Chennai

Port Wings News Network ver since China banned the recycling of foreign ships on its shores at the end of 2018, there has been an increasing call in the shipping community to allow the work to resume. Now, it is understood that Beijing is close to reversing its two-year-old decision.

The move will give ship owners better green ship recycling alternatives concerning other South Asian yards, which have been plagued by allegations of pollution and poor labor conditions.

The ban had caused many ships from Chinese companies to land on the shores of Indian yards for recycling, especially Alang.

At the time the ban came into effect, China was the fourth-largest shipbreaking nation in the world, with most of the Chinese yards being among the world’s greenest when it came to handling pollutants.

These yards have had to rely on domestic tonnage for business, with the ban causing them to lose much of the market share to

Indian and Bangladeshi shipbreaking yards.

“The ban had an enormous impact on the operations of shipbreaking yards in China,” said Xie Dehua, director of the China National Shiprecycling Association (CNSA). When the ban entered into force, he warned that “China’s shipbreaking industry will face turbulent years ahead,” adding that many of the yards would have to pivot to other sectors to stay afloat.

Most of the Chinese yards comply with the Hong Kong Convention and Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) requirements, and some may now be able to apply for certification under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation (SRR).

“Since the IMO started to discuss ship recycling regulations, a number of Chinese ship recycling facilities have upgraded and invested in their facilities enormously,” said Bernard Veldhoven, secretary general of the International Ship Recycling Association (ISRA). “This made these yards the first in the world to recycle ships at the highest standards available on health, safety and environment.”

Jan. 6th - 12th Issue

SpiceJet, PLUSS Sign MoU for Covid-19 Vaccine Delivery Solution Mumbai

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Port Wings News Network ndian low-cost carrier, SpiceJet has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pluss Advanced Technologies (PLUSS) for the supply of indigenously developed precise temperature control boxes required of maintaining the effectiveness of the vaccine during transport.

According to the MoU, PLUSS will supply its patented product – Celsure®, developed using its proprietary Phase Change Material technology, for transportation of the Covid-19 vaccines from the manufacturer to different parts of the country. The product will be cobranded especially for SpiceJet’s cargo division Spice Xpress and will be made available at various locations across the country While, transporting pharmaceutical products, biological products or vaccines in particular, the need to maintain precise temperature ranges is very important and the efficacy of vaccine can be impacted if the temperature goes above or below the specified range.

PLUSS, an India based material solutions company has designed and manufactured a precise temperaturecontrol delivery solution that is

required for vaccine delivery to the last mile.

Samit Jain, MD, PLUSS, said: “At PLUSS we have been continuously working towards playing our role in getting India ready to effectively combat the COVID-19 pandemic, once the vaccine is approved for use. We are particularly happy to join forces with SpiceJet to ensure

partner as we plan on moving the temperature sensitive Covid-19 vaccines across the country. Spice Xpress has the biggest cargo fleet with more than 17 flights. We can cover the length and breadth of the country through our partnerships with last mile logistics companies.

We can deliver the vaccines within 48-72 hours to any part of the country and Pluss’ temperature

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Port Wings News Network n mission mode, Indian Railways’ Freight loading for the month of December 2020 crossed last year’s loading and earnings for the same period.

In the month of December 2020, Indian Railways loading was 118.13 million tonnes which is 8.54% higher compare to last year’s loading for the same period (108.84 million tonnes).

In this period Indian Railways

the delivery of the vaccine using the safest and fastest mode. SpiceJet flies to many non-metro locations and that will help the vaccine reach to the rural hinterlands of India.”

Sanjiv Gupta, CEO, Spice JetCargo Division said: “At Spice Xpress, we are excited about this partnership. Pluss has been a pioneer in Phase Change Material based temperature control solutions in India and will be the appropriate

control boxes will play a critical role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.”

PLUSS, funded by Tata Capital Innovation Fund, has made rapid strides in precise temperature control solutions using inhouse R&D and has several award-winning solutions and patents for pharma, building and logistics industries in India and overseas.

earned Rs. 11788.11 crores from freight loading which is also Rs. 757.74 crores (6.87%) higher compare to last year’s earnings for the same period (Rs. 11030.37 crores).

In the month of December 2020, Indian Railways loading was 118.13 million tonnes which includes 50.67 million tonnes of coal, 15.31 million tonnes of iron ore, 6.13 million tonnes of foodgrains, 5.23 million tonnes of fertilizers, 4.3 million tonnes of mineral oil and 7.46 million tonnes of cement (excluding

clinker).

It is worth mentioning that a number of concessions/ discounts are also being given in Indian Railways to make Railways Freight movement very attractive.

It may be noted that improvements in freight movements will be institutionalized and incorporated in the upcoming zero-based timetable.

COVID 19 has been used by Indian Railways an opportunity to improve all round efficiencies and performances.

KSINC Bets Big On Cruise Voyages, Targets Rs100-Crore Biz Next Fiscal Chennai

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Port Wings News Network

inning hopes on inland water transport, coastal shipping and tourism, the Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation is eyeing a doubling of its business revenue to Rs 100 crore in the next financial year, reports BusinessLine.

Against the targeted turnover of ₹50 crore in the current fiscal, the state-owned entity has clocked Rs 20 crore in Q3 despite setbacks to various activities on account of the pandemic.

However, the re-opening of tourism destinations will undoubtedly boost the cruise trips offered by vessels Nefertiti and Sagararani to Arabian Sea that would further mop up the revenue, said Prasanth Nair, Managing Director, KSINC.

NEWS - BITS Bollinger Shipyards to Build Four Additional FRCs for Coast Guard

The President of the United States signed into law the omnibus spending bill for Fiscal Year 2021, which included funding for four more Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutters (FRC), allowing Bollinger to build and deliver four more FRCs to the United States Coast Guard. This increases the total number of funded boats to 64, Bollinger Shipyards said in a press release.

“It’s a great honor to have the confidence of the U.S. Congress to continue the work we’re doing in support of the U.S. Coast Guard,” said Bollinger Shipyards President & CEO Ben Bordelon. “The Fast Response Cutter program is something we’re all proud of here in Louisiana. Delivering vessels on schedule and on budget to the Coast Guard during these challenging times shows the determination and resiliency of our workforce.” All four of the newly appropriated FRCs will be built at Bollinger’s Lockport, La. facility.

Earlier this month, Bordelon authored an opinion piece on how an expanded U.S. Coast Guard presence around the globe can “help further the regional partnerships and alliances necessary to curb the creeping influence of America’s strategic competitors and adversaries.” Bordelon argues that the Coast Guard has the opportunity to establish itself as the preferred regional partner through its work with Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA), Operation Aiga and elsewhere. Bordelon concludes that “white hull diplomacy should be looked to more and more as a complementary arrow in the whole-of-government quiver.”

Petrobras Concentrates European Commercial Activities In Rotterdam

Freight Figures Continue To Maintain The High Momentum In December 2020 For Indian Railways Chennai

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The company has recorded a profit of nearly Rs 1 crore in 201920. The focus on tourism activities has started generating income especially with the cruises which is evident from the enthusiastic customer bookings, he said.

The completion of various tourism boat construction works for Malabar-Malanad river cruise circuit, Ashtamudi Lake circuit, Kumarakom, Changanassery and Kodimatha water sports are in final stages. The high-speed water craft, a six-seater water taxi is expected to be operational by February next year. Besides, there are also plans to launch water taxis, family cruises, thematic cruises by May next year, he added.

The company has already supplied 36 kayaks to DTPC Kottayam and the construction of Shikkara boats is in progress. In

addition, the trials are scheduled in January for jet skis in Kollam DTPC and the four- seater speed boat for Neyyar Dam. The construction of a 48-seater catamaran for Kollam and a 25-seater for Neyyar Dam is progressing.

KSINC, he said, is expanding its operations to Odisha, Bihar and Lakshadweep for projects which include building vessels to operate at Chilka Lake in Odisha and the Kanika National Park in Bihar. A blueprint of speed boat and house boat for the Chilka Lake has been submitted for approval.

There are also plans to construct a floating boat jetty for State Water Transport Department at various locations in Ernakulam as a pilot proposal. KSINC has also inked an agreement with the Inland Waterways Authority of India to run Ro-Ro services for cargo movement.

xxxx Petrobras is to concentrate its European commercial activities in Rotterdam. This will result in the transfer of Petrobras Europe Ltd.’s commercial activities from London, England to Petrobras Global Trading B.V. in Rotterdam.

The change will start in the next quarter and must be completed by the second half of 2021, Port of Rotterdam said in its release.

The focus on Rotterdam is in line with the Petrobras policy of rationalising its international presence in 2021, taking into account the world’s three major oil markets: Europe, North America and Asia. The company’s commercial activities outside Brazil will be consolidated in offices in Rotterdam in the Netherlands, Houston in the United States and Singapore. This measure of deactivating external offices between 2019 and 2021 will result in savings of up to 13.5 million dollars per year. Petrobras is a large energy producer with an approximate total of 3 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (which includes 2.3 million barrels of oil per day). The arrival of Petrobras confirms Rotterdam’s international reputation as major liquid energy trader and energy market.

Ferry Baltiysk Delivered To Kaliningrad A New Experimental Tram Oboronlogistics says the ferry Baltiysk delivered to Kaliningrad a new experimental tram Korsar, produced at the Nevsky Plant of electric transport. The first fully low-floor two-section tram in Russia is designed specifically for narrow gauge.

When the administration of the Kaliningrad Region makes a decision to purchase a batch of new trams after test tests, the unified operator of the Ust-Luga – Baltiysk line, Oboronlogistics LLC, is ready to offer a scheme for their optimal delivery.

The Ambal and Baltiysk ferries operating on the Ust-Luga-Baltiysk line, in addition to railway cars, transport heavy and oversized cargo on trawls and on roll trailers. This type of delivery is suitable for the transportation of heavy machinery and equipment, metal structures of various modifications, household units, combines and harvesting equipment, electric transformers, pipes, etc.

Ferry transportation is a convenient way to transport oversized cargo between the Kaliningrad and Leningrad regions of the Russian Federation, bypassing the territories of neighboring states. The ferry journey time is about 40 hours.

The port of Ust-Luga is located 150 kilometers from St. Petersburg, the port of Baltiysk is located 50 kilometers west of Kaliningrad. Every month, the ferry makes 5-6 round trips.

Oboronlogistics ensures stable operation of the ferry line Ust-Luga – Baltiysk, among the regular shippers: the Ministry of defence, Regardie, Militaryconstruction complex of the Ministry of defense of Russia, JSC Pochta Rossii, JSC Russian Railways, JSC LUKOIL, LLC Avtotor holding, the holding EUROCEMENT group, LLC Baltservis, LLC Baltika, agricultural holding Miratorg and other customers.

CUSTOMS EXCHANGE RATES Notification No.113/2020 (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 18th Dec. 2020

RATE (INR) Import Export 57.05 201.70 58.90 11.45 12.30 91.50 9.65 249.60 53.85 8.65 101.25 20.85 20.25 56.40 5.15 9.00 84.90 9.75 20.70 74.45 72.55 6.95

54.70 188.95 56.80 11.10 11.85 88.25 9.30 233.70 51.50 8.35 97.85 19.60 19.00 54.50 4.80 8.65 81.45 9.15 19.40 72.75 69.85 6.55

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

Cruise Ships Without Passengers Start To Flock To Port Of Los Angeles

Abu Dhabi Ports Hits 2020 Targets in Bid to Drive Global Trade and Logistics Industry Chennai

Port Wings News Network n facing the extraordinary challenge of a once in a generation pandemic, Abu Dhabi Ports has weathered 2020 particularly well, continuing to grow and expand its overall capacity and capabilities and emerge stronger than ever before.

With the advent of COVID-19, the company successfully raised its profile worldwide as a responsible player in the trade and logistics sector with the Horns of Hope campaign. This innovative initiative reached more than 260 million people in over 23 countries and involved leading global and regional organisations, such as the International Maritime Organisation and the Arab Sea Ports Federation.

In tandem, Abu Dhabi Ports’ comprehensive business continuity strategy was implemented ensuring the smooth flow of goods and medical provisions supplied into Abu Dhabi continued as normal for the duration of the crisis.

By the close of the year, as the COVID-19 vaccine became available, Abu Dhabi Ports joined the Hope Consortium, the Abu Dhabi government-led effort to realise full global vaccine distribution. Abu Dhabi Ports is committed to utilising storage and distribution resources at its logistics facilities at the Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) toward the immunisation efforts of billions of people in the region and beyond.

H.E. Falah Mohammad Al Ahbabi, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “Abu Dhabi Ports contribution to addressing humanity’s greatest challenge in a generation is

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testament to the high esteem our organisation and assets are held both within Abu Dhabi and the UAE and around the world.

“In less than 12 months, Abu Dhabi Ports’ pandemic response and overall contribution to trade and logistics is accelerating its transformational journey from a domestic champion to a globally recognised player.

“Thanks to our wise leadership’s continuing commitment to develop all aspects of our maritime, trade, and logistics sectors, the UAE is ideally positioned to overcome all obstacles in line with the government’s longterm goals and objectives.”

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “We are proud of Abu Dhabi Port’s wonderful achievements over the course of 2020. Despite the most difficult business environment, our broad portfolio has remained resilient and has continued to grow, keeping trade moving, building new facilities and infrastructure, and launching new services.

“By taking bold strategic steps and performing exceptionally, Abu Dhabi Ports is transforming its operations to deliver a truly outstanding maritime trade and logistics experience for all those who trade with our emirate, and, in turn, boosting Abu Dhabi’s international trade contribution.”

Progress Across Ports Despite the unprecedented challenges that arose over the course of 2020, Khalifa Port, Abu Dhabi Ports’ flagship deep-water facility which today serves more than 25 shipping lines and offers links to

over 70 international destinations, has managed to surpass expectations by achieving a series of magnificent milestones, such as progressing the ongoing South Quay and Khalifa Port Logistics (KPL) developments ahead of schedule.

Expansion of services was also a key focus area for Khalifa Port’s terminals this year. CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal, the first overseas greenfield project of COSCO SHIPPING Ports announced the start of a direct, weekly service to several ports across Europe and the Indian Subcontinent.

Similarly, Abu Dhabi Terminals welcomed another mainline service to its growing network, providing additional direct coverage and fast transit times from the Mediterranean and the Red Sea into Abu Dhabi, and from Abu Dhabi into Southeast Asia and North Asia.

Closing the year on a high, the unveiling of the 2020 edition of Lloyd’s List Top 100 Container Ports revealed that Khalifa Port had advanced a total of 24 spots on the annual ranking. Moving from 95 to its new position of 71, the port was noted for achieving the largest percentage jump in container throughput than any other entrant and was crowned the fastest growing port in the world.

Other ports saw similar development over the past 12 months. In Abu Dhabi’s historical port area, the inauguration of “Marsa Mina”, the city’s new waterfront lifestyle destination at Zayed Port, went ahead. The ribbon-cutting heralded the area’s transformation into an entertainment destination for international visitors and the local community.

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Port Wings News Network ruise ships without passengers are coming to the Port of Los Angeles in rising numbers as cruise liners turn hopes to the long-awaited resumption of cruising in the U.S. waters.

The cruise ships are coming to the port to refuel and restock supplies as a prerequisite to meet federal regulations in order to resume cruising in the future.

There is currently no clear date on the resumption of activities as it still depends greatly on the public health state.

“Princess Cruises, Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ships are scheduled to send ships arriving in Los Angeles this week and through the new year, periodically docking at the Los Angeles Cruise Terminal for fuel, food, supplies, and/or services. No vessels will be carrying passengers,” the port authority said.

The Port of Los Angeles expects more than two dozen cruise ship calls through early February.

Cruise operations have been suspended since March due to the pandemic, and no date has been set yet for U.S. passenger sailings.

After expiration of the No Sail Order on October 31, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, announced a framework

for phased resumption of cruise ship operations.

The framework includes measures like testing and additional safeguards for crew members, followed by simulated voyages to test cruiseship operators’ ability to mitigate infection risks, certification of ships that meet specific standards and a phased return to voyages.

In addition to increased precautions to minimize community spread of and exposure to COVID-19, cruise ship safety implementations while at berth include Passenger Ship Safety Certificate (PSSC) training and Marine Evacuation System (MES) replacement.

In 2020, the Port of Los Angeles experienced 93 cruise cancelations—more than 70% of total cruises—due to the pandemic.

According to the port’s estimates, each time a cruise ship calls in Los Angeles, it contributes about $1 million to local businesses and the economy. Losing these cruise ships amounts to losing nearly $100 million in economic activity on the LA Waterfront.

“The port continues to closely monitor the situation and is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), California Department of Public Health, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and other emergency and public health agencies,” the port said.

How Germany’s Cuxhaven Port Is Navigating Brexit

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Jan. 6th - 12th Issue

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Chennai

Port Wings News Network he German port of Cuxhaven has felt every twist and turn of the Brexit saga, from the shock of the referendum result to the interminable negotiations, reports AFP. Now, with the end of the transition period that has effectively kept Britain in the EU fast approaching, port manager Hans-Peter Zint has only one wish: “It has to finally happen.”

But Brexit will remain an unprecedented challenge for the North Sea port long after Britain’s newly agreed deal with the EU kicks in on January 1.

Around 85 percent of maritime freight to and from Cuxhaven involves the UK, making it one of the harbours worst affected by Brexit.

The scale of the task can be seen from Zint’s office. Hundreds of Mercedes and BMW cars from German factories are waiting to be loaded onto a ship that has just arrived from the port of Immingham, on the east coast of England.

As it docks, the ship opens its hatches and unloads Land Rovers, made in Britain, destined for the continental market, as well as metal parts for the construction industry.

The operation will take a few hours before the ship returns to Immingham, some 20 hours away.

“Today we have no customs formalities to carry out, but in the future they will apply to 85 percent of our goods. It’s uncharted territory for Cuxhaven,” Zint told AFP. This is not the case for other large ports nearby, such as the mighty Hamburg, which are less dependent on British clients and more accustomed to trading outside the EU. Climate of uncertainty “It’s been a lot of preparation over the last three years,” Zint said, exhausted by the climate of uncertainty that has prevailed since 2016. “There comes a time when you say to yourself, ‘It has to finally happen.’” The

German car industry will be one of the first to feel the consequences of Brexit.

The UK was the largest export market for German car manufacturers in 2019, with nearly 600,000 vehicles, or around 17 percent of automotive exports, according to car industry association VDA. Cuxhaven’s preparations have focused on three main strands: training for staff in new customs procedures; a new IT system to facilitate the transmission of customs documents; and the expansion of the terminal and storage areas.

A lot is at stake: Britain was Germany’s seventh largest trading partner in 2019, albeit two places lower than before the referendum.

“According to our simulations, if every link in the chain does its job well, from seller to customer, the transport times shouldn’t get any longer,” the manager said.

“But these are still only tests, and now we must see if everything works in reality,” he admits. The trade deal agreed on December 24 has finally put to bed the worst-case scenario of a no-deal Brexit, which could have dramatically raised the price of goods transported via Cuxhaven and put a stranglehold on commercial activity. But the threat of administrative chaos and traffic jams remains.

However, Cuxhaven believes it has an advantage over maritime giants such as Hamburg, Calais or Rotterdam.

“Here, only the trailers are shipped — the drivers don’t accompany their goods,” Zint said. “If in the future we’re faced with incorrect or missing documents, the trailers can be put on hold without blocking the drivers.”

The German port therefore hopes to win new customers looking for less congested routes.

Zint is even willing to bet that, “In three or five years, Brexit will have blown over. It will be ancient history.”

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.