Author: Cargo Insights

Deendayal Port Authority’s bid for an electric tug attracts six contenders, marking a milestone in India’s green shipping transition. Deendayal Port Authority has received bids from six companies, including Shipping Corporation of India, Polestar Maritime, and Netincon Marketing, for India’s first electric tug tender. The 15-year contract aims to modernize port operations with sustainable maritime solutions. Other bidders include Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works, San Marine India, and Underwater Services Company. The port authority will assess technical qualifications before opening price bids, awarding the contract to the lowest bidder. Shipping Corporation and Polestar plan to build their tug at Cochin…

CK Govil, President of ACAAI, graces IMU Chennai’s Estuary 25, discussing AI and blockchain’s impact on global trade and logistics. CK Govil, President of the Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI), attended the Valedictory Function of Estuary 25 as Chief Guest at the Indian Maritime University (IMU), Chennai. The two-day event brought together students from across the city, showcasing their knowledge and enthusiasm for the maritime and logistics sector. Govil was honoured with a warm reception from IMU faculty and staff. In his address, he spoke about the evolution of global trade and the crucial role of maritime and…

India and the U.S. move closer to a Bilateral Trade Agreement, with sectoral talks set to begin virtually in the coming weeks. India and the United States have concluded a four-day trade dialogue in New Delhi, marking a step forward in their goal of expanding bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. The discussions, held between India’s Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office from March 26-29, focused on shaping a multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). Both nations have reached a broad understanding on the next steps, with plans to finalise the initial phase of the agreement by…

Combined Logistics celebrated its 25th anniversary with industry leaders, partners, and employees at a gala event in New Delhi. Combined Logistics commemorated its 25-year journey with a grand celebration on March 28, 2025, at Tivoli, New Delhi. The evening brought together distinguished guests, media, and key figures from the logistics industry. Founder and Managing Director Vinet K Chadha commenced the event with a heartfelt speech, reflecting on the company’s journey and expressing gratitude to employees, partners, and international associates who traveled to be a part of the occasion. He also honoured long-serving employees with awards, acknowledging their dedication and contributions.…

Strengthening arbitration frameworks will boost investor confidence and accelerate India’s rise as a global manufacturing hub. India’s emergence as a global manufacturing powerhouse hinges on robust arbitration and mediation mechanisms, said Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal at the United International Avocat Conference in Delhi. He highlighted how an efficient legal framework is essential for economic growth, reducing judicial delays, and fostering a transparent business climate. Goyal emphasised the need for impartial arbitration systems, urging stakeholders to enhance efficiency and credibility. Addressing India’s economic trajectory, he noted that the country is the fastest-growing major economy, poised to become the world’s…

Trump’s 25% tariff on imported cars and parts from April 3 may impact US car demand, global supply chains, and auto sector costs. US President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on imported cars and auto parts, effective April 3, 2025. This move aims to reduce reliance on foreign manufacturing, especially from China, while bolstering the US manufacturing base. However, the tariff is expected to have far-reaching implications for the global auto industry. Details of the Tariff From April 3, fully-built light vehicles imported into the US will face a 25% tariff. By May 3, the tariff will extend…

SATS collaborates with Guangtai to trial electric GSE technologies, driving efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in aviation. SATS Airport Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SATS (SATS), one of the world’s largest providers of air cargo handling services and Asia’s preeminent provider of food solutions, and Weihai Guangtai Airport Equipment Co. (Guangtai), a global ground support equipment (GSE) manufacturer and supplier, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 27 March 2025 to explore and trial advanced technologies to drive improvements in airport ground support services provided by SATS and its subsidiaries. The three-year collaboration aims to evaluate the performance and suitability of…

Minister Sonowal highlights steps to enhance freight via waterways, integrating ports, rail, and road networks. The Government of India is taking decisive steps to enhance intermodal connectivity for freight traffic, focusing on the integration of inland waterways, railways, and road transport to reduce logistics costs and improve cargo movement. With the current modal share of Inland Water Transport (IWT) standing at only 2%, compared to 18% for railways and 71% for roadways (as per NITI Aayog’s 2021 report “Fast Tracking Freight in India”), these initiatives aim to make freight transportation more efficient and sustainable. Key Developments: Integration of Multimodal Terminals…

The ‘One Nation, One Port’ initiative aims to digitise port processes, cut costs, and boost maritime sector efficiency. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, has announced the launch of the ‘One Nation, One Port Process’ (ONOP) initiative. This groundbreaking effort focuses on standardising and digitising port processes and documentation across all major ports. The initiative covers diverse cargo types, including containers, dry bulk, and liquid bulk, along with categories like export-import, transshipment, and coastal operations. ONOP is set to reduce documentation processing time, leading to significant cost savings in logistics. The initiative is powered by the…

Lok Sabha clears Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill & Indian Ports Bill, paving the way for a modern, competitive maritime sector. In a significant legislative development, the Lok Sabha passed the ‘Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024,’ introduced by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. This bill marks a major step forward in modernising India’s maritime legal framework, aligning it with global best practices, and enhancing the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) in the sector. The EODB framework is designed to simplify regulatory processes, reduce compliance burdens, and improve operational efficiency for businesses. Carriage…

The centre initiates the development of six inland waterways in Odisha, enhancing cargo transport and river cruise tourism. The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, announced the development of six inland waterways in Odisha, aiming to enhance cargo transport and promote river cruise tourism. In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, the Minister outlined the Government of India’s plan, implemented through the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). The six declared National Waterways (NWs) under development include: Brahmani & Mahanadi Delta and East Coast Canal (NW-5) Baitarni River (NW-14) Birupa River-Badi Genguti-Brahmani River System (NW-22)…

IMO releases interim guidelines for ammonia-fuelled ships, focusing on safety, design, and decarbonisation goals. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has issued MSC.1/Circ.1687, titled “Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships Using Ammonia as Fuel.” This significant step underscores ammonia’s potential as a marine fuel, supporting global decarbonisation efforts while addressing the critical need for a structured, risk-based approach to its safe use. The non-mandatory guidelines provide a goal- and function-based safety framework, covering ship design, equipment, operations, bunkering, toxicity mitigation, and crew protection. These align with the IGF Code and SOLAS principles, offering a consistent reference for administrations and industry…