VOC Port Gears Up for Mainline Container Ship Calls with Major Dredging Upgrade

In a strategic move set to reshape its container shipping operations, V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port has completed the dredging and widening of its turning circle — a vital upgrade paving the way for mainline container ships of up to 14,000 TEUs to call directly.
The upgrade, executed by Belgium-based contractor Jan De Nul, involved expanding the turning circle from 488 metres to 550 metres, as part of a larger project to dredge the North Cargo Berth-III — managed by a JSW Infrastructure unit — to support fully loaded Panamax vessels.

Why This Matters:

By the Numbers:

Process Enhancements:

Past Challenges Overcome:

Previously, despite a 14.2-metre draft capability, ships had to lighten their loads before using a narrower turning circle, which impacted efficiency. The new 550-metre circle now eliminates this bottleneck, enabling fully loaded departures without extra manoeuvring.

Global Shipping Giants Set Sail for India’s Coastal Freight Market

As Asia diversifies economically, global container giants are turning their gaze to India’s growing coastal shipping sector. Leading the charge are Maersk and CMA CGM, who are actively exploring entry into domestic freight services between Indian ports—marking a major shift in the country’s shipping landscape.
India’s decision in 2018 to ease cabotage rules for transshipment opened the door to foreign-flagged liners. But protectionist policies and limited Indian-flagged tonnage have kept coastal growth constrained—until now.

Key Developments at a Glance:

While India’s domestic coastal shipping market faces hurdles—especially in infrastructure and reliability—the entry of major global players could be the catalyst it needs for substantial growth.
India is poised for a coastal freight renaissance. With top-tier carriers investing and regulatory support expanding, the domestic shipping sector could soon mirror the vibrancy of the nation’s broader logistics ecosystem.

India-UK Free Trade Deal to Slash Textile Export Duties, Unlocking New Growth Opportunities

A landmark shift is on the horizon for Indian textile exporters as the proposed India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is set to eliminate import duties—currently as high as 12%—on textile shipments to the UK. According to a report by India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra), this move is expected to unlock major growth opportunities for India’s textile sector, especially in apparel and home furnishings.

Why It Matters:

With zero-duty access to the UK market, Indian exporters will gain a competitive edge over rivals like China and Bangladesh, particularly as these countries continue to face trade barriers, including U.S. tariffs.

Key Takeaways :

What This Means for the Industry:

The FTA could be a game-changer, positioning India not just as a cost-effective supplier but as a reliable, duty-free source for high-quality textiles. It strengthens India’s global trade footprint and supports long-term growth by breaking down critical trade barriers.

Russia Targets Long-Term Coal Partnership with India Amid Massive Reserve Expansion

Russia is positioning itself as a long-term coal supplier to India, backed by an astonishing reserve capacity that could sustain global demand for over 500 years, according to Russian Energy Ministry officials.
Speaking on the future of the coal industry, Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Alexander Novak highlighted that Russia is rapidly developing next-generation, eco-friendly coal mining hubs. These advanced facilities are expected to add 250 million tonnes of production capacity by 2025 alone.
“Russia sees India as a key strategic partner in energy cooperation,” Novak said in the latest issue of Energy Policy magazine. “Our countries can build a strong, reliable energy corridor that benefits both economies.”
In 2024, Russia produced 443.5 million tonnes of coal, with nearly 196.2 million tonnes destined for export, making it one of the top coal exporters to India by volume.
Looking ahead, Novak envisions a coal sector transformed by innovation. “By 2050, the industry will consist of high-tech, environmentally compliant enterprises that meet the demands of a sustainable future,” he noted.
With vast reserves and modern infrastructure investments, Russia’s energy ambitions could play a key role in powering India’s growing energy needs.

India Poised for 6.5% GDP Growth in FY26: CII

India’s economy is poised to grow at a healthy 6.5% in FY26, withstanding global geopolitical challenges, according to Sanjiv Puri, President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
In an interview with PTI, Puri highlighted the resilience of the Indian economy, crediting a strong macroeconomic foundation, improving private investment, and easing inflation as key growth enablers.
“We are looking at 6.5%. This number is achievable, fundamentally because we’re starting from a position of strength,” said Puri.
Growth Drivers: Investment, Reforms & Resilience
Private investment is gaining traction across core sectors such as energy, transportation, metals, chemicals, and hospitality, signaling growing economic confidence. Puri noted that despite geopolitical uncertainties, the investment environment remains optimistic, though some caution may persist.

Several recent policy moves are also contributing to momentum:

Trade in a Fragmenting World :

Addressing rising global protectionism and proposed tariff hikes by key economies like the US, Puri emphasized the urgency of bilateral trade pacts with strategic partners such as the US and EU.
“We must engage in trade agreements mutually beneficial and aligned with national interest,” he stated, advocating for a three-tier tariff structure to improve competitiveness in select sectors.

Focus on Domestic Strengths

Puri also stressed the importance of accelerating reforms in agriculture, climate adaptation, and domestic productivity to sustain long-term growth.
He pointed out encouraging signs from the rural economy, noting that while urban consumption has remained flat, it is expected to rebound in the coming quarters.

“The domestic drivers of growth must be our priority. They can buffer the economy against external volatility,” Puri said, adding that further interest rate cuts could further support growth.

Vizhinjam Port Tops Container Traffic in South and East India

In a major milestone for India’s maritime infrastructure, Vizhinjam Port has emerged as the top container-handling port in South and East India, according to a recent press release.
While Mumbai and Mundra continue to dominate the western coast, Vizhinjam is quickly gaining ground—thanks to its strategic location and cutting-edge operational efficiency.
“Automatic container handling played a key role in our success. Even in phase one—before the port is fully completed—we’ve surpassed expectations,” said a port official.

Key Highlights:

South African Citrus Exports to India Triple to 30,000 Tons

South Africa’s seedless citrus fruits—especially oranges and mandarins—are enjoying a surge in popularity in India, with exports tripling over the past five years. Backed by smart logistics strategies and growing consumer demand, the Indo-African fruit trade is entering a juicy new chapter.
South Africa exported 30,000 tons of citrus to India in 2024, up from 10,000 tons in 2019, capitalizing on demand for easy-peel, vitamin-rich fruits during India’s offseason.
However, challenges remain—from steep tariffs to cold treatment regulations. Yet, logistics players are rising to the occasion, creating efficient supply chains and unlocking the potential of the India–South Africa fresh produce corridor.

Key Highlights:

Citrus exports from South Africa to India surged from 10,000 tons in 2019 to 30,000 tons in 2024.
South Africa’s citrus season (June–October) avoids direct competition with India’s (November–March).
Rising middle-class income and a focus on health drive demand for premium, seedless citrus rich in vitamin C.
A 30% import duty and restrictions on in-transit cold treatment inflate costs and risk product quality.

India and South Africa are in talks to harmonize cold treatment protocols, potentially allowing in-transit processes and reducing spoilage.

Providers are investing in:
Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru are driving the trend toward high-quality imported fruits.
With improved policies and logistics innovations, exports could exceed 50,000 tons in the next few years.

Steel on the Move: India’s April Exports Climb 12% YoY Amid EU Surge

India’s steel exports saw a strong year-on-year rise in April 2025, even as month-on-month figures showed slight softness. Here’s a quick snapshot of the developments:

Key Highlights:

Market Dynamics:

AM/NS India Wins 30-Year Deal to Operate 10 MT Captive Berth at Paradip Port

ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India Ltd (AM/NS India) has secured a major logistics win by bagging a 30-year concession to operate the CQ-III berth at Paradip Port. This strategic move strengthens the company’s supply chain integration, particularly for its expanded pellet operations.

Key Highlights:

India’s Largest Logistics Hub Taking Shape in Dadri — A Game-Changer for North India’s Freight Network

A groundbreaking Multi-Modal Logistics Hub (MMLH) is coming up in Dadri, Greater Noida, with the potential to revolutionize how freight moves across North India. Backed by a ₹2,464 crore investment in Phase 1, this mega-infrastructure project is being led by the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) and is touted as a transformative leap for India’s logistics landscape.

Why It Matters:

Strategic Location

India’s Largest Logistics Hub

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Seamless Multimodal Connectivity

Aligned with PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan

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