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Kolkata Port to Turn Vintage River Vessels into Floating Cultural Hubs

Kolkata, May 15, 2025 — In a move blending history with innovation, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata, has opened bids to transform three vintage river vessels into vibrant floating venues for tourism, art, and leisure.
Inspired by the successful revival of the historic paddle steamer PS Bhopal—now the popular heritage cruise Bengal Paddle—this initiative promises to redefine the Hooghly riverfront.

Key Highlights:

  • Three Decommissioned Vessels on Offer:
  • PL Rupsa and PL Hooghly (built 1997):
  • Steel hulls
  • Length: 32.9 meters
  • Usable space: ~2,000 sq ft
  • Capacity: 50–100 guests
  • PL Gopal (built 1994):
  • Fibreglass-reinforced plastic hull
  • Usable space: ~1,000 sq ft
  • Capacity: 30–50 guests
  • 🎯 Vision:
  • Convert these historic pilot launches into:
  • Floating cafés
  • Mini museums
  • Heritage cruise boats
  • Wedding and event venues
  • Perks for Bidders:
  • Free berthing at Kolkata Dock System for retrofitting
  • Complimentary jetty space for guest boarding and operations
  • Broader Goal:
  • Revitalize Kolkata’s riverfront into a dynamic hub of heritage, culture, and commerce

“These vessels offer significant potential to become revenue-generating heritage assets,” said an SMP official.

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Big Boost for Maharashtra’s Logistics Sector: 10+ New Industrial Parks on the Horizon

In a landmark move to strengthen Maharashtra’s industrial and logistics ecosystem, the state government has signed a major Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Horizon Industrial Parks (a Blackstone-backed platform) and Xsio Logistics Parks. The agreement secures a Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) commitment of over ₹5,000 crore (₹50 billion), one of the largest in the sector to date.
The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Industry Secretary P. Anbalagan, and MIDC CEO P. Velrasu. Representing the Blackstone Group were Tuhin Parikh (Head of India Real Estate), Alok Jain (MD), RK Narayan (President – Strategy and Business Development, Horizon Industrial Parks), and Ashish Agrawal (MD, Xsio Logistics Parks).
These cutting-edge developments aim to position Maharashtra as a leading global logistics hub.

Key Highlights:

  • FDI Commitment: ₹5,000+ crore investment from Horizon and Xsio Logistics Parks.
  • Infrastructure Expansion: Over 10 advanced, sustainability-compliant logistics and industrial parks planned.
  • Target Cities: Key locations include Nagpur, Mumbai, Pune, and other major industrial corridors.
  • Job Creation: Estimated 27,000+ direct and indirect employment opportunities.
  • Sustainable Focus: Parks designed to support green, future-ready infrastructure.
  • Global Confidence: One of Maharashtra’s biggest FDI-backed industrial initiatives.
  • Strategic Vision: Supports Maharashtra’s goal of inclusive growth, competitiveness, and robust supply chains.
This partnership is set to be a game-changer for Maharashtra, catalyzing next-gen manufacturing, warehousing, and supply chain innovation.
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India’s Maritime Sector Hits New High as Major Ports Break Records in FY 2024-25

India’s maritime sector has recorded a landmark year, with Major Ports handling a historic high of 855 million tonnes of cargo in FY 2024-25 — up from 819 million tonnes in the previous year. This 4.3% annual growth marks a new era of capacity, efficiency, and strategic relevance for the country’s ports.
According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, this surge reaffirms the scalability of Indian ports in managing rising global and domestic trade volumes.

Cargo Growth Drivers:

The year’s growth was propelled by significant increases across key cargo categories:
  • Container traffic surged by 10%
  • Fertilizer cargo up 13%
  • POL (Petroleum, Oil & Lubricants) increased by 3%
  • Miscellaneous cargo jumped 31%

Cargo Composition Breakdown

  • POL led the charts at 254.5 million tonnes (29.8% of total)
  • Containers followed with 193.5 million tonnes (22.6%)
  • Coal handled stood at 186.6 million tonnes (21.8%)
  • Other significant commodities: iron ore, pellets, and fertilizers

Key Port Performances

  • Paradip Port Authority (PPA) and Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) each crossed 150 million tonnes — a first in Indian port history
  • Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) handled 7.3 million TEUs, a 13.5% YoY growth, reinforcing its position as a top container hub

Infrastructure & Investment Momentum

  • 962 acres of port land allocated in FY 2024-25 (₹7,565 crore estimated value)
  • Projected investment potential of ₹68,780 crore for future infra/industrial projects
  • PPP investments tripled:
  • FY 2022-23: ₹1,329 crore
  • FY 2024-25: ₹3,986 crore

Efficiency on the Rise

  • Pre-Berthing Detention Time improved by 36%
  • Output per Ship Berth Day (OSBD) rose to 18,304 tonnes (up from 12,458 tonnes a decade ago)
  • Average Turnaround Time (TRT) reduced from 96 hours to 49.5 hours
  • Idle Time dropped to 16.3%, from 23.1%

Strong Financial Performance

  • 📈 Total income rose by 8% to ₹24,203 crore (from ₹22,468 crore in FY 2023-24)
  • Operating surplus increased by 7% to ₹12,314 crore
  • Operating ratio improved significantly from 64.7% to 42.3%

Government’s Vision

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal hailed these achievements as a testament to “transformational leadership” and the collaborative spirit of the Ministry, port authorities, and industry stakeholders. He emphasized that India is building sustainable, globally competitive ports to power its trade ambitions.

📈 A Decade of Transformation

  • Cargo handled by Major Ports rose from 581 million tonnes in FY 2014-15 to 855 million tonnes in FY 2024-25
  • Containerized cargo up 70%, from 7.9 million TEUs to 13.5 million TEUs
  • Total income more than doubled from ₹11,760 crore to ₹24,203 crore
  • CAGR over 10 years:
  • Cargo: ~4%
  • Operating surplus: 13%
  • Income: 7.5%
India’s port sector is no longer just evolving — it’s leading. Stay tuned for more updates as we track the journey toward a truly world-class maritime ecosystem.
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Hindalco and Vizag Terminal to Build India’s First Fully-Automated Alumina Facility at Visakhapatnam Port

In a landmark move for India’s logistics and metals sectors, Vizag Multipurpose Terminal—a joint venture between India Potash Ltd and J M Baxi Ports & Logistics—has partnered with Hindalco Industries Ltd., the metals flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, to develop the nation’s first fully automated and sustainable alumina handling terminal.

Key Highlights:

  • 📍 Location: EQ-07 berth, Visakhapatnam Port
  • 🔧 Nature of Facility: Fully mechanised alumina handling terminal—first of its kind in India
  • 🚛 ➡ 🚂 Transport Shift: From truck-based to rail-based logistics for alumina from Hindalco’s Odisha refinery
  • 📦 Annual Capacity: 1 million tonnes of alumina
  • 🌱 Sustainability Impact:
  • Dust-free operations
  • Fully automated unloading, storage, and ship loading
  • Expected reduction of ~7,350 MTCO₂e in annual greenhouse gas emissions
  • 🦺 Operational Benefits
  • Faster turnaround times
  • Safer, fully mechanised cargo handling
  • Predictable and scalable logistics infrastructure
With cabotage steadily gaining traction in India’s multimodal mix, VOC Port’s latest move signals an aggressive push to claim a larger slice of coastal container flows before peak season kicks in.

Strategic Implications:

This project is more than just a terminal—it’s a bold step toward next-generation port infrastructure aligned with India’s green logistics goals and growing trade ambitions. It marks a strong commitment to:
  • Sustainable port operations
  • Enhanced export capabilities for Indian industries
  • Upgraded logistics infrastructure on the eastern coast

About Vizag Multipurpose Terminal:

Vizag Multipurpose Terminal Private Limited (VMTPL) is a joint venture between Indian Potash Limited and J M Baxi Ports and Logistics Private Limited. It operates under a Concession Agreement with the Visakhapatnam Port Authority for the mechanization of the EQ-07 berth.
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VOC Port Rolls Out Fresh Concessions to Power India’s Coastal Container Trade

V. O. O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port has sweetened the deal for coastal operators running direct container services from Gujarat or West Bengal to Tuticorin.
Under a brand‑new incentives scheme, container vessels that off‑load at least half of their total boxes at VOC Port will enjoy deep cuts in Vessel Related Charges (VRC) for the next six months:

Annualised Voyages

VRC Rebate

Up to 24 calls

40% off

25 – 39 calls

45% off

40 – 50+ calls

50% off

The rebates apply pro‑rata if a service runs for less than a full year, the port clarified.

Why it matters

  • Bigger savings, bigger loops: The sliding‑scale discount rewards frequency, nudging coastal carriers to schedule more rotations and deepen east‑west coastal connectivity.
  • Cargo concentration : By insisting on a 50 % discharge threshold, VOC Port ensures most of the value‑added activity—and accompanying jobs—stays local.
  • Countdown clock : The window is tight—April 14 to October 13 2025—so operators eyeing new loops will need to lock in tonnage fast.
With cabotage steadily gaining traction in India’s multimodal mix, VOC Port’s latest move signals an aggressive push to claim a larger slice of coastal container flows before peak season kicks in.
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India’s Exports Hit All-Time High of USD 820 Billion in FY 2024-25

India’s exports have reached a new milestone, crossing USD 820 billion in FY 2024-25 — a 6% increase over the previous fiscal, according to the Commerce Ministry.

Key Highlights :

  • Total exports (goods + services) rise from USD 778 billion in 2023-24 to USD 820+ billion in 2024-25.
  • Growth achieved despite global headwinds, including geopolitical tensions and economic slowdowns in key markets.
  • Merchandise exports (Apr–Feb): USD 395.63 billion (vs USD 395.38 billion YoY).
  • Services exports (Apr–Feb): USD 354.90 billion (vs USD 311.05 billion YoY).
  • Final FY 2024-25 trade figures to be released on April 15.
During a meeting with export promotion councils and industry bodies, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal commended exporters for their resilience and reaffirmed the government’s support amid challenges like rising U.S. tariffs.
Exporters have urged continued proactive measures to sustain momentum in an evolving global trade environment.
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India’s Growth Story Continues: ADB Projects 6.7% GDP Growth for FY26

India’s economy is set to grow by 6.7% in FY2025-26, driven by strong domestic demand, rising rural incomes, and easing inflation, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) April 2025 outlook. Growth is expected to edge up to 6.8% in FY27, supported by tax incentives, infrastructure investments, and robust services and agriculture sectors.
While the RBI has trimmed its growth forecast to 6.5% for the current year, it has also cut the repo rate to 6% to support the economy—its second rate cut this year.

Key growth drivers include :

  • Boosted consumer confidence from lower inflation (4.3% projected for FY26)
  • A rebound in manufacturing
  • Expansion in health, education, and business services
  • Government’s ₹100 billion push for urban infrastructure

Risks remain from global uncertainties, including new US tariffs and volatile commodity prices, but India’s stable macro fundamentals offer a strong buffer.

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India’s Export Engine Keeps Humming in FY25

Logistics Companies globally are facing the crunch when it comes to IT Infrastructure Design and Deployment. The Management is mainly looking to solve their equations like.

Highlights in a flash

  • Goods: ₹37.44 lakh cr (US $437.4 bn). Electronics stole the show, while rice, coffee, tobacco, and pharma kept the boxes moving.
  • Services: ₹32.83 lakh cr (US $383.5 bn), jumping 12 % on surging IT‑BPM, cloud, and AI projects.
  • Star performers:
  • Electronics ₹3.3 lakh cr
  • Pharma ₹2.61 lakh cr
  • Rice ₹1.07 lakh cr
  • Coffee & tobacco added flavour.

Trade pulse

Imports climbed to ₹78.34 lakh cr (US $915.2 bn), widening the merchandise deficit to ₹24.21 lakh cr. A hefty services surplus of ₹16.17 lakh cr cushioned the blow.

Top lanes

  • Outbound favourites : USA, UK, Japan, UAE, France.
  • Key suppliers : UAE, China, Thailand, USA, Russia

Logistics takeaway

Rising high‑value electronics and pharma cargo means tighter capacity and premium handling demand. Stay nimble on US and Japan lanes, and watch for policy tweaks aimed at trimming the goods deficit.
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VOC Port Authority Rolls Out 24/7 Direct Port Entry—Turbo‑Charging Tamil Nadu’s Exports

Imagine skipping the long detour through a Container Freight Station and rolling straight up to the ship. That’s exactly what exporters can do now that V O Chidambaranar (VOC) Port Authority has switched on its brand‑new Direct Port Entry (DPE) lane for factory‑stuffed, e‑sealed containers.

Why this matters ?

Old Way

New DPE Way

Truck waits at a CFS for customs checks

Truck drives straight to the terminal, 24/7

Extra handling fees & paperwork

One touchpoint, lower cost

Longer dwell time on the docks

Faster gate‑in → quicker ship loading

By pairing DPE with its existing Direct Port Delivery (DPD) programme, VOC Port is gunning for minimal dwell time—the holy grail of port efficiency.

The fine print

  • Service charge:
    ₹135 + GST (20‑ft) | ₹162 + GST (>20‑ft)
    Payable by customs brokers
    (Trade Notice, 10 April)
  • Capacity check :
    Two container terminals—Dakshin Bharat Gateway Terminal & Tuticorin International Container Terminal—jointly handle 1.35 million TEUs.
  • Growth snapshot (FY ’25) :
    7,95,222 TEUs, up 6.4 % YoY.

Big picture

Tamil Nadu’s exporters—from automotive parts to agri‑produce—stand to shave hours (sometimes days) off their supply‑chain clocks. And with nearly 8 lakh TEUs already moving through VOC last year, the port’s “direct‑to‑deck” shortcut could be a logistics game‑changer for South India.
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Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024 sails through Lok Sabha

Why it matters :

India finally has a modern, purpose‑built law for moving cargo along its 7,500‑km coastline—promising cheaper logistics, cleaner transport, and a huge shot in the arm for “Make in India”.

At‑a‑glance highlights :

  • Dedicated coastal‑trade law replaces 1958 provisions with a future‑ready framework.
  • Indian ships, fewer hurdles: general trading licence scrapped for desi vessels.
  • Foreign ships, clearer rules : must obtain a coastal‑trade licence from the DG Shipping.
  • National Coastal & Inland Shipping Strategic Plan—updated every two years—to sync routes, traffic forecasts, ports and waterways.
  • Charterer pool widened : Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs and LLPs can now hire foreign tonnage.
  • Integrated networks : mandates seamless links between seaports and inland waterways.
  • One‑stop National Database for transparency and data‑driven decisions.
  • Jobs & investment : expected surge in shipbuilding, port services and maritime manpower.
  • Greener logistics : shifts bulk cargo from congested highways/rails to low‑emission ships.

What changes on the ground ?

Then (Merchant Shipping Act, 1958)

Now (Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024)

Coastal trade governed by scattered clauses

Single, holistic statute dedicated to cabotage

Generic vessel‑licensing focus

End‑to‑end ecosystem: licensing, planning, data, enforcement

No strategic roadmap

Biennial national plan + state representation

Limited charter options

Wider charterer base, encourages private participation

Penalty provisions with jail terms

De‑criminalised, monetary penalties dominate

Big-picture impact

  • Cost advantage: sea freight is up to 60 % cheaper per tonne‑km than road
  • Traffic relief: targets 230 MT of coastal cargo by 2030 (162 MT in 2023‑24).
  • Climate boost: lower CO₂ per tonne‑km helps India inch toward its net‑zero pledge.
  • Regional unlock: coastal–riverine synergy could revive economies in Odisha, Karnataka, Goa and beyond.
  • Security & self‑reliance: larger Indian‑flag fleet cuts dependence on foreign hulls.
“This Bill propels India toward an efficient, sustainable and competitive maritime logistics network, true to the spirit of  Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
— Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister, Ports • Shipping • Waterways
Stay tuned—rules, licences and the first National Coastal & Inland Shipping Strategic Plan should roll out within the next few months. For shippers, port operators and logistics tech players alike, the tide is turning!
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