ISS Global Forwarding (ISSGF) marked eight years of operations in India with the ISSGF Customers Meet 2026, bringing together customers, partners, industry stakeholders, major buyers and national media for an evening centred on relationships, business engagement and the company’s next phase of growth. Held on September 11, 2026, at the Fairmont in Andheri, Mumbai, under the theme “Moving Forward Together,” the exclusive customer event provided a platform to reflect on ISSGF’s rapid evolution over the past eight years while outlining its strategic outlook for an increasingly dynamic global logistics and trade environment. The gathering underscored the relationships built around trust, collaboration and shared success, while creating opportunities for meaningful conversations and networking among customers, partners and industry stakeholders. More importantly, it offered a window into how ISSGF is positioning itself for the next stage of its development as a global logistics and freight-forwarding partner. Addressing the media on the occasion, Enver Moretti, Group CEO, ISSGF, reflected on the company’s eight-year journey and its ambition to further strengthen its position as a global forwarding partner. His perspective also highlighted the growing significance of India within ISSGF’s international network and its broader growth strategy, reinforcing the country’s role in the company’s evolving global footprint. Magesh Ganesan, Chief Commercial Officer, ISSGF, focused on the company’s customer relationships and the opportunities emerging across the global logistics landscape. His perspective reinforced ISSGF’s continued emphasis on creating customer value, strengthening partnerships and building long-term relationships as supply chains become increasingly interconnected and dynamic. From a financial and business outlook perspective, Melvin Chang, Group CFO, ISSGF, outlined the organisation’s approach towards sustainable growth as it continues to expand its global footprint and capabilities. His remarks reflected the importance of balancing international expansion with a disciplined and sustainable approach to building the business. Representing ISSGF’s India operations, Rahul Bhowmick, Country Manager & Chief Operating Officer – India, highlighted the company’s presence and growth in the Indian market and the opportunities emerging from the country’s rapidly evolving logistics and trade ecosystem. With India assuming greater importance in global supply chains, the market presents significant potential for forwarding and logistics providers with the capabilities to support increasingly complex trade flows. Together, the leadership perspectives highlighted a common strategic direction: strengthening customer relationships, expanding global capabilities, leveraging the opportunities emerging from India, and building a more resilient and sustainable forwarding business. As ISSGF enters its ninth year, the Customers Meet 2026 served not only as a celebration of the company’s journey so far, but also as a marker of its ambitions ahead. With “Moving Forward Together” as its central theme, the event reflected a growth agenda rooted in collaboration, customer trust and the evolving opportunities presented by India and the global logistics landscape.

Singapore Airlines is set to strengthen its presence at Munich Airport with the addition of three new weekly services from the 2026 winter schedule, increasing total flights between Munich and Singapore from seven to ten per week. The expanded schedule will introduce evening departures on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, complementing the airline’s existing daily daytime operations and offering enhanced overnight connectivity between Europe and Asia-Pacific markets. The move is expected to improve onward connections through Singapore to major destinations including Bangkok, Bali, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, Australia and New Zealand, while also enhancing schedule flexibility for both business and leisure travellers. As part of its joint venture partnership with the Lufthansa Group under the Star Alliance framework, Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa Group carriers will collectively offer 17 weekly services between Munich and Singapore. Commenting on the development, Oliver Dersch said the expansion reinforces Munich’s position as a premium European aviation hub while providing passengers with greater connectivity across the Asia-Pacific region. With the revised winter schedule, Singapore Airlines will operate a combined 24 weekly direct flights connecting Frankfurt and Munich with Singapore, further deepening its footprint in the German market and supporting growing long-haul travel demand between Europe and Asia.

SAL (Saudi Logistics Services) has signed a conditional agreement to acquire 100% shares of Aviapartner Liège from Aviapartner Belgium NV and Aviapartner Holding NV, marking a strategic step in the Saudi logistics company’s international expansion ambitions. The proposed acquisition, valued at an enterprise value of EUR 28 million, will provide SAL with an operational foothold at Liège Airport, one of Europe’s key air cargo gateways. The transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. The move is expected to strengthen SAL’s cargo handling and logistics capabilities beyond the Kingdom while expanding connectivity across global trade corridors. By integrating Aviapartner Liège’s operations into its network, the company aims to enhance operational efficiency, deepen airline and customer partnerships, and reinforce its international logistics platform. Commenting on the development, Omar Hariri said the acquisition represents a strategic milestone in SAL’s global growth journey and reflects the company’s ambition to build an integrated logistics ecosystem aligned with Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Vision 2030 objectives. The acquisition is also expected to support revenue diversification and operational integration while positioning SAL as an increasingly significant player in the international cargo and logistics landscape.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0. The scheme aims to provide credit guarantee coverage of 100% for MSMEs and 90% for non-MSMEs, as well as the airline sector, to Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) by National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC) for the amount in default under the additional credit facility extended to the eligible borrowers to tide over any short-term liquidity mismatches in view of the West Asia Crisis. The total outlay of the scheme is expected to be ₹18,100 crore, and it is expected to generate additional credit flows worth ₹2.25 lakh crore. The scheme is open to MSMEs, non-MSMEs with existing working capital limits, and scheduled passenger airlines that have outstanding credit facilities as of March 31, 2026, as long as their loan accounts are not overdue. Under the scheme, the government will provide 100% coverage to MSMEs and 90% to non-MSMEs and airlines for loans they take for additional credit up to 20% of the peak working capital utilised during the fourth quarter of 2025-26, capped at Rs. 100 crore. For airlines, the loans can be for up to 100% of their peak working capital, but this is capped at ₹1,500 crore per borrower, subject to satisfying certain specific conditions.  However, the scheme would apply to all loans sanctioned during the period from the date of issue of these guidelines by NCGTC up to 31 March 2027, and the maximum period of guarantee cover shall be co-terminus with the tenor of the loan. The scheme aims to enable businesses to tide over the challenges arising from the West Asia conflict. Additionally, this is expected to help businesses maintain their operations, protect jobs, and sustain supply chains.  Overall, the proposed credit guarantee scheme is a major step to help businesses, particularly MSMEs and the airline sector, to ensure their additional working capital needs are catered to by the banks & financial institutions. By providing timely liquidity, the scheme will sustain the businesses and prevent job losses. It will also promote uninterrupted domestic production and maintain the resilience of the ecosystem.   Follow CARGOCONNECT for more news & updates!  

The Indian government’s ambitious push to boost the domestic shipbuilding industry, announced in the Union Budget, is already drawing international interest, with South Korea stepping forward to collaborate on key initiatives. The Korea Marine Equipment Association (KOMEA), a Seoul-based non-profit under South Korea’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Energy, has offered its support to Indian shipyards for joint vessel design and construction, modernisation of shipyard production facilities, and technology transfer to enhance manufacturing processes, according to multiple sources. KOMEA, which represents major Korean shipbuilding and ship repair enterprises—including HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hanwa Ocean (formerly Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering), and Samsung Heavy Industries—has formally pledged to provide highly qualified specialists for on-site education and training. The association also aims to develop joint educational programs, supply industrial equipment for modernising Indian shipyards, facilitate technology transfer, and support the localisation of marine equipment and spare parts. Founded in 1980, KOMEA has been instrumental in promoting South Korean marine equipment manufacturers globally and currently has a membership base of 304 entities involved in shipbuilding, design, and repair. The association operates in eight countries, including China, Japan, Singapore, the United States, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Russia. With plans to expand its footprint in India, KOMEA sees the country as a strategic partner in advancing shipbuilding capabilities under a bilateral cooperation framework. “Building strong cooperative relationships between South Korean entities and Indian shipyards could significantly contribute to the growth of the shipbuilding industry in both nations,” a KOMEA official stated. “With over four decades of experience, KOMEA and its members can provide effective solutions to challenges in the shipbuilding sector within a short timeframe.” The Union Budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, earmarked ₹25,000 crore for the Maritime Development Fund (MDF) and introduced a revamped shipbuilding financial assistance policy to counter cost disadvantages. Additional measures include credit incentives for shipbreaking at Indian yards to promote a circular economy and granting infrastructure status to large ships above a specified size. The government also announced plans to develop shipbuilding clusters with enhanced infrastructure, skilling initiatives, and technological advancements to strengthen the industry’s ecosystem. A significant boost for shipbuilders came with the extension of the exemption from Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on raw materials, components, consumables, and parts used in ship manufacturing. This exemption, originally set to expire, will now be extended for another ten years from April 1, 2025. Ahead of the budget announcement, high-level delegations from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, along with representatives from the private shipbuilding sector, visited leading shipyards in South Korea and Japan. These visits were aimed at forging partnerships and leveraging global expertise to strengthen India’s shipbuilding industry. With South Korea now expressing formal interest in collaboration, the stage is set for India to accelerate its shipbuilding ambitions and emerge as a formidable player in the global maritime sector. Source: ET Infra

Tata Steel has become the first Indian company to develop pipes specifically designed for transporting hydrogen, marking a major milestone in the country's transition to clean energy. The company’s hydrogen-compliant API X65 pipes were processed at its Khopoli plant using steel produced at its Kalinganagar facility, meeting all critical requirements for safe and efficient hydrogen transportation. By managing the entire production chain—from designing and manufacturing hot-rolled steel to fabricating the pipes—Tata Steel has reinforced its expertise in building essential energy infrastructure. This achievement builds on its 2024 milestone when it became the first Indian steel manufacturer to produce hot-rolled steel for gaseous hydrogen transportation. The hydrogen qualification tests for these newly developed pipes were conducted at RINA-CSM S.p.A in Italy, a globally recognised agency for hydrogen-related testing and certification. The pipes have successfully undergone tests for transporting 100 percent pure gaseous hydrogen at high pressures of up to 100 bar, positioning Tata Steel as a key player in supporting the evolving hydrogen economy. Prabhat Kumar, Vice-President - Marketing & Sales (Flat Products) at Tata Steel, underscored the company’s commitment to innovation in steel manufacturing. "Tata Steel has always been at the forefront of developing advanced steel grades. The successful testing of these ERW pipes highlights our ability to support the energy sector. We are proud to contribute to India’s National Hydrogen Mission, which is a key part of the country’s clean energy transition," he said. He further added that Tata Steel is well-positioned to meet both domestic and global demand for specialised steel pipes used in hydrogen transportation. India’s National Hydrogen Mission aims to produce at least 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of Green Hydrogen annually by 2030, with the potential to reach 10 MMT per annum to meet export demands. Achieving this ambitious target requires substantial investment in hydrogen generation and transportation infrastructure, including the development of hydrogen-compatible steel pipelines. With the demand for hydrogen-compliant steel expected to rise from 2026-27, industry projections indicate a total requirement of 350,000 tonnes of specialised steel over the next five to seven years. While multiple methods exist for transporting hydrogen, steel pipelines remain one of the most cost-effective solutions for large-scale distribution, ensuring efficiency and safety in India's evolving clean energy landscape.

The South East Central Railway (SECR) has reached a significant milestone in its electrification drive, marking a major step toward energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable railway operations. As part of its commitment to modernising infrastructure and reducing carbon emissions, SECR has successfully completed the electrification of 6,900.93 track kilometers (TKM) to date. Established on April 1, 2003, SECR has consistently prioritised sustainable rail operations, accelerating electrification efforts across its key divisions—Bilaspur, Raipur, and Nagpur. The electrification journey in the zone dates back to January 19, 1970, when work commenced on the Jharsuguda-Raigarh section. Notably, SECR became the first zone in Indian Railways to implement the advanced 2x25 kV AT-AEC-BEC overhead traction system, which was commissioned on December 14, 2024, in the Bhanupratappur–Antagarh section. The commissioning of the first 3-phase electric locomotive twin EF-12K in Bhilai on November 26, 2023, further underscored the railway’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge technology. Electrification has significantly reduced SECR's reliance on fossil fuels, with electrical energy consumption in 2023-24 reaching 1,859.19 million units. This shift has enhanced operational efficiency while lowering carbon footprints. Additionally, the newly electrified corridors have boosted freight movement, particularly for coal, iron, and other key commodities, strengthening industrial supply chains and contributing to economic growth. SECR is also focusing on integrating renewable energy sources as part of its long-term sustainability strategy. In a momentous initiative celebrating 100 years of electric rail travel in India, a special 3-phase electric locomotive service will operate on February 3, 2025, along the Bhanupratappur-Antagarh section in Chhattisgarh. SECR’s electrification efforts align with Indian Railways' broader mission to achieve ‘zero carbon emissions,’ paving the way for an environmentally responsible and energy-efficient rail network. Source: TOI

Jupiter Electric Mobility has announced a strategic partnership with Porter to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in the logistics sector. This collaboration centres on Jupiter’s Udaan programme, which supports small entrepreneurs and drivers in adopting electric commercial vehicles. Through the initiative, participants will gain access to professional training, EV resources, and comprehensive business support via Jupiter’s dealership network. Under the partnership, drivers and small business owners purchasing Jupiter’s electric commercial vehicle, the Tez, will receive mentorship to scale their operations efficiently. Porter will play a vital role in onboarding these drivers, ensuring their integration into the burgeoning electric logistics ecosystem. Together, the companies aim to address economic barriers to EV adoption while fostering sustainability within the sector. Tanuj Khandelwal, Vice President at Porter, emphasised that the alliance aligns with their mission to empower logistics professionals and contribute to a greener future. Similarly, Jupiter Electric Mobility, a subsidiary of Jupiter Wagons Ltd, highlighted that the programme is designed to enhance drivers’ earnings and promote eco-conscious operations. Porter’s extensive network, comprising over 7.5 lakh drivers across 22 cities, will enable the widespread rollout of the Udaan programme. This partnership represents a pivotal step toward integrating EVs into India’s logistics framework, demonstrating that environmental sustainability and economic growth can coexist. As India increasingly turns to sustainable practices to combat carbon emissions, this collaboration exemplifies how cross-industry partnerships can accelerate green mobility solutions. Jupiter and Porter’s efforts could inspire a broader shift in the logistics industry, making eco-friendly operations the norm rather than the exception.

Arkas Line is expanding its international service network as part of its 2025 growth strategy. Building on its recent Red Sea expansion, the company is launching the "India Med Service (IMS)," its first direct route connecting India to the Mediterranean. From February 10, 2025, the IMS will send four vessels with a capacity of 2,500-2,800 TEU. By June 2025, the service will run weekly with five vessels. The route will cover major ports, such as Ambarli, Nhava Sheva, Mundra, and Alexandria. Customers will also benefit from rail connectivity at India's Mundra and Nhava Sheva ports to transport cargo to inland trade centers. Furthermore, Arkas Line is restructuring its Mediterranean operations by integrating its current GPS, EMS, and SEM routes into a streamlined "Blue Med Service (BMS)." This integrated service will improve efficiency in its Mediterranean network while increasing the company's coverage to 72 ports in 27 countries through 33 service routes. About its commitment to further global growth, Arkas Line CEO Can Atalay said, "With the launch of IMS and the strengthened BMS, we are firmly committed to offering efficient solutions that cater to evolving customer needs and consolidate our presence in key markets.

In an initiative to support the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector, sKart Express, a leading technology-driven logistics service provider, has announced the launch of the SKart Express digital sales portal designed to simplify and streamline access to a wide range of services tailored for MSMEs. sKart Express has strategically designed offerings to provide customised solutions tailored to the unique needs of MSMEs. It utilises a combination of owned, leased, and franchised assets. It offers a comprehensive suite of services, including commercial, express, cross-border, and reverse logistics, across the B2B, B2C, and social commerce sectors. Key Features of the SKart Express portal: Comprehensive Services: The sKart platform integrates a diverse array of service providers, delivering many delivery options through an advanced synergy of technology, data analytics, cultural insight, and operational excellence. This integration ensures that sKart offers exceptional, reliable service that gives customers trust and satisfaction. User-friendly interface: the sKart Global Express Digital Sales Portal is designed to make navigation a breeze for MSMEs, ensuring a seamless onboarding and usage experience. This feature aims to make MSMEs feel at ease and comfortable while using the platform. sKart tailored packages are designed to meet MSMEs' diverse needs and budgets, providing cost-effective solutions that instill financial confidence. This emphasis on cost-effectiveness is intended to make MSMEs feel financially secure when using sKart services. Accessibility: Cloud-based software allows businesses and individuals to access it anytime and anywhere, promoting operational efficiency 365 days a year and 24/7. This stress on cloud-based accessibility is meant to make MSMEs feel empowered and in control of their operations. Yashpal Sharma, MD of Skyways Group, said: "MSMEs are the backbone of our economy, yet they often face challenges in accessing essential services and resources. sKart Global Express is our solution to bridge this gap, providing an integrated platform where businesses can find everything they need to succeed. This launch marks a step forward in our mission to empower MSMEs through innovation and technology." The platform is live and open to MSMEs across the country. Businesses can visit https://booking.skart-express.com/register to sign up and start leveraging the power of sKart Global Express today.

Tamil Nadu’s V O Chidambaranar Port, a leading maritime gateway, is steering towards a green future with investments worth ₹41,860 crore to position itself as India’s Green Hydrogen-Ammonia Hub. The ambitious initiative was unveiled as the Port also announced significant strides in cargo handling, underlining its strategic importance to South India’s logistics landscape. Having handled 29.70 million tonnes of cargo and 5.62 lakh TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) of containers up to December 19, 2024, the Port has recorded an overall growth of 1.87% in cargo and 6.74% in container handling. Port Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit emphasised the strategic advantages of V O Chidambaranar, highlighting its position near the East-West International sea route, efficient turnaround times for container ships, and seamless connectivity via road and rail. He stated, "VOC Port is poised to emerge as the gateway port of South India, driving regional and national growth through forward-looking investments and capacity-building initiatives." As part of its green energy mission, the Port has allocated 501 acres of land to four companies for developing Green Hydrogen-Ammonia manufacturing and storage facilities. The pilot project demonstrating green hydrogen production, storage, and power generation using fuel cells is on track for completion by January 2025. Additionally, a pilot bunkering project will showcase capabilities for green hydrogen refuelling and bunkering operations. In line with its capacity augmentation plans, VOC Port is widening its entrance channel from 152.40 metres to 230 metres to accommodate larger vessels. It has also announced the construction of a 440-metre-long Berth 10 at a cost of ₹80 crore for bulk cargo ships and new infrastructure to handle smaller vessels by mid-2025. The transformative vision of V O Chidambaranar Port underscores its pivotal role in advancing India’s green energy transition and cementing its place as a logistics powerhouse in the region.

In a significant stride toward sustainable development in India's logistics and warehousing sector, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has invested $75 million (INR 6,300 million) in NDR InvIT’s Sustainability-Linked Bond (SLB). Sponsored by NDR Warehousing Private Limited, this marks the first SLB issuance by a warehousing Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) in India and sets a national precedent for sustainable investments. The funding will support NDR InvIT’s expansion, focusing on modernising infrastructure and achieving sustainable milestones, such as IFC’s EDGE Certification, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption. The initiative aligns with India's growing warehousing demand, driven by the rise of e-commerce and manufacturing, with warehouse space projected to grow from 300 million square feet in FY23 to 500 million square feet by 2030. Amrutesh Reddy, Director of NDR InvIT Managers, emphasised the pioneering nature of the initiative, stating, “This partnership with IFC underscores our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and economic growth in India’s logistics sector. By adopting global standards and resource-efficient operations, we aim to meet growing warehousing demand and contribute to India’s climate goals.” IFC’s Regional Director for South Asia, Imad Fakhoury, added, “This initiative will enhance market competitiveness, attract global capital, and bolster India’s logistics infrastructure while addressing climate objectives. Through green solutions, we are shaping a resilient and sustainable future for India’s supply chain.” In addition to financial investment, IFC will offer technical support for achieving environmental and social governance targets, such as gender-inclusive practices through the India Gender Collaborative. This investment positions India’s warehousing sector as a global leader in sustainable logistics.