Hapag-Lloyd and Singapore-based Ocean Network Express (ONE) have completed integration onto the TradeLens platform—a neutral, third-party platform launched by IBM and AP Moller - Maersk to help modernise the world's supply chain ecosystems—run on IBM Cloud and IBM Blockchain.
It’s been almost two years since the two carriers first announced plans to participate in the network, a joint initiative from IBM and Maersk. With their motives finally coming to fruition, it will help ensure a more timely and consistent view of logistics data for their containerised freight around the world.
"TradeLens technology holds great potential to help enable the digitisation of supply chain processes and documentation handling," said Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd. "Our customers will clearly benefit from increased transparency, accuracy, speed and efficiency in their supply chains - leading to reduced cost."
"We believe TradeLens can bring together all parties in the supply chain to the digital ecosystem where customers can get seamless, transparent and secure sharing of shipping milestones and trade documents. With its open standards and open governance, it can benefit our customers and the entire industry to drive for digitalisation and automation," said Jeremy Nixon, CEO of Ocean Network Express.
Following the completion of multiple pilot projects as well as the integration, Hapag-Lloyd and ONE, the world's fifth and sixth largest carriers respectively, are now working to help their clients and business partners across all major geographies benefit from TradeLens' ability to increase efficiency and improve access to information. They join foundation carriers AP Moller - Maersk, CMA CGM and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) which have already completed their pilots and integration, along side five other carriers inputting shipping data into the TradeLens platform.
Additionally, TradeLens continues to rapidly on-board new organisations from across the shipping industry, recently adding shippers and importers including Van den Ban Tires which use the platform to address back office inefficiencies and improve the visibility of cargo.
Recently, KLog.co also became the first freight forwarder in Latin America to join TradeLens to improve efficiency, decrease operational costs and advance KLog.co's goal of opening up international trade to all companies in the region, no matter the size of the business.
"A huge barrier to global trade has long been the inability for customers to securely share crucial information regarding the status of goods in an easily accessible and transparent way," said Mike White, CEO, GTD Solution Inc and Head of TradeLens. "By addressing this problem, the TradeLens ecosystem has grown rapidly, and the onboarding of Hapag-Lloyd and ONE along with their customers helps extend the value of TradeLens across the entire TradeLens ecosystem, enabling connectivity to two-thirds of global containerised freight for all customers and other permissioned parties through a single platform. All participants benefit from reduced manual processes, while also streamlining processes from automation and improved forecasting."
The TradeLens ecosystem now includes more than 300 organisations – encompassing ten ocean carriers and data from more than 600 ports and terminals. TradeLens has already processed 42 million container shipments, nearly 2.2 billion events and some 20 million documents. In total, five of the top six global shipping carriers are now integrated onto the platform contributing to the digitisation of documentation and automated workflows.
Ecom Express Limited, India’s sole pure-play B2C e-commerce logistics provider as of the Financial Year 2024, has introduced a new brand identity, underscoring its commitment to customer-centricity. This rebranding reflects a focus on addressing specific customer needs, prioritising customer-facing metrics, and integrating innovative technology across its nationwide express logistics network. The goal is to enhance speed, agility, and network reach, ensuring a customer-focused approach. The rebranding includes a dynamic logo and a refreshed visual identity, symbolising Ecom Express’s pursuit of excellence. The new logo features a forward-moving arrow within a square, representing the company’s dedication to delivery. The letter "E" in the logo stands for Expression, Innovation, and Progress, while the bold magenta colour signifies bravery, self-expression, and strength. This vibrant magenta reintroduction reflects Ecom Express's renewed commitment to customers, partners, and team members, as the company aims to simplify and democratise logistics for all. Ajay Chitkara, CEO and MD of Ecom Express, elaborated on the transformation, stating, “Our refreshed brand identity reaffirms our customer-first approach as we continue to integrate technology and innovation to provide reliable, high-speed services with the widest network reach. This transformation also underscores our commitment to our employees and delivery partners, who are essential to our business.” The new logo embodies Ecom Express’s dedication to its core values, focusing on customer welfare and fostering a diverse, inclusive environment. This rebranding signifies a promise to redefine logistics through advanced technology, making life easier for all types of customers.
The Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) held its 6th EC Meeting for the term 2021-23 on May 27 and 28 in Bengaluru. The meeting was attended by the Office Bearers and 28 Member Association representative of FFFAI from across the country, there were many issues discussed and updates provided concerning customs, CBLR, EDI, Service Tax/GST, logistics, air cargo, sea cargo, skill development,importance of social media which FFFAI has expanded recently, technology developments, etc. The special focus of the 6th EC meeting was the updates on forthcoming 24th Biennial Convention of FFFAI to be held from August 12 to 14, 2022 in Chennai with the theme LOGISTICS RESHAPE, EMBRACE AND SURGE IN THE DIGITAL ERA. At this EC meeting, FFFAI also implemented Digital Learning platform for members and next generation for e-learning. It has been decided that FFFAI would initiate FIATA eFBL here in India to benefit the trade, which empowers customs brokers, freight forwarders and logistics service providers. In addition, updates on the recently held FIATA HQ Meet was also provided by the concerned members of FFFAI. FFFAI members present at this EC meeting stressed upon enhancing productivity on ICEGATE for trade facilitation and Ease of Doing Business. The FFFAI members also urged for creating a dedicated portal for LSP integration. As regard to skill development initiatives, IIFF’s (training arm of FFFAI) past and forthcoming training programmes (both online and classroom/physical) for the entire logistics industry were presented at the EC meeting. In addition, FFFAI’s various initiatives on capacity building through technology/IT also discussed withadequate importance. Recent activities of FFFAI Women’s Wing including organising interactive meetings with Government of India officials and industry experts were highlighted at this meeting which drew huge appreciation from the members. The members committed to expand the activities of the Women’s Wing in all the 28 member association locations to empower/encourage the women logistics practitioners. At this EC meeting FFFAI has signed an MoU with the National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE) with an objective of skilling the aspiring candidates looking for opportunities in the logistics sector. Notably, a special session was organised at this 6th EC Meeting where N Sivasailam, former Special Secretary (Logistics), Ministry of Commerce, Government of India was present to address the FFFAI members and highlight the recent initiatives of the government in strengthening the logistics infrastructure, thereby leading in increase of international trade through multimodal connectivity and faster cargo clearance. He projected the ambitious growth potential of the logistics industry in India with a strong collaboration between government and industry people. Also speaking on the occasion was Bani Bhattacharya, IRS, who interacted with members of FFFAI on various initiatives of CBIC for the trade facilitation without human intervention. FFFAI Chairman Shankar Shinde thanked all the 28 associations for their support and appreciated the contribution of CBIC/DG systems trade facilitation measures. FFFAI Member Associations are: 1. Ahmedabad Custom Brokers' Association2. Aurangabad Customs House Agents Association3. Association of Custom House Agents Thiruvanthapuram4. Bangalore Custom House Agents Association5. Brihnamumbai Custom Brokers Association6. Calcutta Customs House Agents Association7. Chennai Customs House Agents Association8. Cochin Customs Brokers' Association9. Coimbatore Customs House and Steamer Agents Association10. Custom Brokers Association Hyderabad11. Delhi Customs Brokers Association12. Goa Custom Brokers Association13.Indore Customs House Agents Association14. The Kakinada Customs Brokers Association15. Kandla Custom Brokers Association16. Kanpur Customs Brokers Association17. Ludhiana Customs House Agents Association18. Mangalore Customs House Agents Association19. Mundra Customs Brokers Association20. Nagpur Customs House Agents Association21. Nashik Customs House Agents Association22. Nadia Custom Brokers Association23. Pipavav Custom Brokers Association24. Pune Customs House Agents Association25. Rajasthan Customs House Agents Association26.Tuticorin Custom Brokers Association27.Visakhapatnam Cusotms Brokers' Association28.West Bengal Custom House Agents Society FFFAI welcomes Women in Logistics/Youth in Logistics to participate on FFFAI forums and also invites membership application form logistics service providers in industry as this is a big national and international forum to network.
Building a visionary company requires one percent vision and 99 percent alignment. This analogy resonates deeply when we compare the process of building a company to conducting a symphony orchestra. Just as a conductor leads musicians to create a harmonious masterpiece, a successful business and its management fosters alignment among team members to achieve extraordinary success. In the business world, this vision translates into a clear understanding of where the company wants to go and what it aspires to achieve. The one percent of vision acts as the guiding force that sets the stage for greatness. However, a conductor alone cannot create a symphony. The true magic lies in the collective effort of the musicians, each playing their part to perfection. Similarly, in a visionary company, alignment becomes paramount. Every team member needs to be facing in the right direction, equipped with the right skills, and focused on delivering the right results at the right time. By fostering alignment, harnessing the diverse talents within the team, and continuously fine-tuning performance, savvy teams and visionary leaders carry the potential to transform their companies into harmonious and successful organisations that resonate with greatness. Embracing the power of alignment, inspiring teams with a clear vision, and actively cultivating an environment where every member can contribute their unique talents, RE Rogers India has over the years formed an indispensable pillar of business triumph. Most recently, the company orchestrated a symphony of success handling over 300 events in the fiscal year 2023. Four of these were mammoth events taking place in four different cities at around the same time frame. And these were not merely gatherings, they were milestones. The four gigantic events (CPHI and PMEC 2023 – 28 to 30 November at India Expo Centre, Noida; ENGIMACH 2023 – 6 to 10 December at Helipad Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat; EXCON 2023 – 12 to 16 December at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, Bengaluru; PLASTIVISION 2023 – 7 to 11 December at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai) entailed approximately 650 on-ground manpower, 4300 packages, 370 equipment display, and 3600 vehicles. The symphony of greatness bubbled up in RE Rogers India's operational procedures and functions, and the teams and management leadership soared to create a masterpiece of lasting success as always. "To our heroes who faced the challenges head-on in handling their jobs with total finesse, and to our valuable customers who trusted us blindly during our busiest period pan-India: A HUGE THANK YOU!," the RE Rogers India team was quoted expressing in a LinkedIn post. As the demand for large-scale events and exhibitions continues to rise, the need for comprehensive and reliable exhibition logistics services has never been more critical. In India, where the exhibition industry thrives, one name stands out among the rest — RE Rogers India — who have been delivering unparalleled logistical solutions tailored to the unique demands of the exhibition sector. RE Rogers India have years of first-hand, specialist experience in handling every aspect of exhibitions, ranging from freight forwarding, transportation, customs formalities, secure handling of materials, on-time delivery and site assistance and supervision. Remember that logistics is not just about getting your materials from point A to point B; it’s about ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience for everyone involved in your exhibition, from exhibitors to attendees. So, if you partner with RE Rogers India, you’re not just hiring a logistics company; you’re bringing a dedicated and reliable team on board to ensure your exhibition materials reach their destination in perfect condition and on time. Having served a variety of clients from both the domestic and international arena, the company has developed deep understanding of the unique challenges of delivering time-critical goods in the face of huge crowds, open day pressure, and complex logistical requirements. RE Rogers India fully understands the value of complete exhibition sets in terms of the clients’ reputation and market standing, ranging from trade show booths, exhibits, and other equipment, which include wooden panels, steel frames, prefabricated designs, bunk houses, E-houses, printed material, lights, electronic items and other display resources. The company therefore takes utmost care to pay close attention to critical things like packing, loading, storing, lifting, etc. so as to eliminate any chance of damage. Due diligence is also exercised in choosing optimum and fastest mode of transport to enable the materials to reach the venue well in time, so as to facilitate timely set-up by the clients team at the venue. Post-exhibition, pick-up and delivery back to the shipper is also handled. With RE Rogers India as your esteemed logistics partner, you can focus on wowing your audience and making the most of your exhibition experience. Under the astute leadership of Ravinder Sethi, RE Rogers India is not just reaching new heights; it is setting successive benchmarks. With the innate ability to see through the intricacies and a commitment to perfection down to the minutest detail, Sethi has steered the company towards a trajectory of unparalleled success. His visionary approach complemented by the team's meticulous attention to excellence have become the driving force behind RE Rogers' ascent in the events and exhibition logistics sector. The collective efforts of Sethi and his entire team continue to sculpt a legacy of precision and excellence in the world of logistics that remains exciting, challenging and rewarding.
A significant milestone has been achieved in the Indo-Bangla railway project with the inauguration of the inaugural freight train connecting Bangladesh's Gangasagar to Tripura's Nischintanpur. This momentous event marks a significant step forward in strengthening the rail connectivity between the two neighboring countries. The new railway connection is set to enhance trade and commerce between India and Bangladesh, providing a more efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation for goods. It will not only boost bilateral trade but also promote economic development in the region by opening up new opportunities for businesses and industries. The Indo-Bangla railway project is part of a broader effort to improve connectivity and foster closer ties between the two nations. It is expected to play a vital role in facilitating the movement of goods and passengers, ultimately contributing to the economic growth and prosperity of both countries.
Singapore’s Changi Airport is sharpening its focus on pharmaceuticals and e-commerce shipments to navigate constrained cargo capacity until planned expansion in the 2030s. According to Lim Ching Kiat, Executive Vice President of Air Hub and Cargo Development at Changi Airport Group, current facilities face mounting pressure due to growing regional demand, necessitating strategic tenant and cargo type management. E-commerce continues to be a key growth driver for air cargo globally, fueled by major players like Shein, Temu, and TikTok Shop. At the same time, Singapore is solidifying its position as Southeast Asia’s preferred pharmaceutical hub, attracting investments from global biopharma giants such as Thermo Fisher, Sanofi, BioNTech, and MSD. Looking ahead, Changi Airport plans to launch a second logistics park by the 2030s, aiming to increase its annual cargo capacity from 3 million tons to 5.4 million tons. The new free trade zone will further expedite cargo handling and redistribution. In 2024, Changi Airport reported handling 1.99 million tons of airfreight, a 14.6% rise from 2023, driven by robust cross-border e-commerce demand, improved trade routes with China and the U.S., and recovering electronics exports. Top air cargo markets included China, Australia, the U.S., Hong Kong, and India.
India's major ports experienced a very rare 3.2% year-on-year fall in cargo through October 2024, as official data showed. The total cargo handled at these 12 major ports fell to 68.22 million metric tonnes. A drastic fall in both crude oil and coal imports dragged down the figures. The overall cargo decreased mainly due to a decrease of 5.5% for overseas cargo, which consisted of 52.9 mmt. However, the domestic coastal shipping increased by 5.3% to 15.9 mmt. Crude oil, which comprised nearly 20% of the total cargo traffic, decreased by 8.8%, lowering to 12.9 mmt. The quantity of petroleum products also decreased, leading to the general decline. Its traffic, the most significant revenue earner, was down 13% versus last year, and declined even sharply because of the sharp fall in volumes of non-thermal coal. Yet, with the festival season, October usually witnesses higher cargo volume and the containerised volumes at the government-controlled ports were essentially flat with just a minus 0.2%. Contrasting that, India's overall merchandise exports grew by 17% as its pace marked a 28-month high led primarily by inventory build-up before Christmas and New Year time. On a positive note, private ports witnessed 5.7% growth in cargo volume to 64.2 mmt. Container volume at the private ports has seen an exponential growth of 21.5%, which actually speaks about festival season boosters. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, the largest private port operator in the country, reported an 8% Y-o-Y growth in total cargo handled, at 257.7 mmt, pulled up by 19% growth in container volumes and 9% liquid and gas cargo. As of the fiscal year 2024-25, traffic at major ports has increased by 3.9%, with the total touching 481 mmt. However, some individual ports saw drastic falls, as does the Kolkata Port that slipped down 25% in handling cargo whereas Visakhapatnam Port fell by 15.5% for October.
The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), and the Haldia Dock Complex have experienced a notable downturn in cargo handling during the first half of the fiscal year 2024, reporting an 8.7% decline in combined cargo volumes. In stark contrast, 12 major ports across India collectively achieved a 5% increase in cargo handling during the same period. Key to this decline is the substantial drop in coking coal volumes, which constitutes a major portion of the cargo for these ports. In the April-September 2024 period, coking coal handling plummeted by 33% compared to the previous fiscal year. SMPK handled 28.54 million tonnes (MT) of cargo in this timeframe, a decrease from 31.26 MT last year. The Kolkata Dock System (KDS) was hit particularly hard, with a significant 15.18% drop in tonnage, falling from 8.38 MT to 7.11 MT. Meanwhile, the Haldia Dock Complex recorded a 6.34% decline, with volumes dropping from 22.88 MT to 21.42 MT. Notably, apart from SMPK, only Mormugao port in Goa recorded a cargo handling decrease of 5.67%. Conversely, the 12 major ports together processed 413.74 MT of cargo in the first half of FY24, up from 393.9 MT during the same period last year. The primary factor contributing to SMPK's cargo decline is the diversion of coking coal shipments to nearby ports such as Paradip and the Adani-owned Dhamra, which offer deeper drafts. For instance, coking coal handling at SMPK dropped to 6.86 MT in H1FY24 from 10.22 MT in H1FY23, while Paradip's volumes increased by 1 MT to 8.4 MT. The ongoing spike in seaborne bulk cargo rates, driven by geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea, has further exacerbated the situation. Importers have increasingly avoided anchorages like Sandheads, leading to decreased traffic. The limited draft at Haldia restricts larger vessels, significantly increasing logistics costs and limiting economies of scale for importers. SMPK officials remain hopeful that coking coal volumes will rebound with the onset of fair weather in October, potentially stabilizing operations. Source: The Statesman
MacGregor, a division of Cargotec, has received a significant order to supply cargo access equipment for 12 new Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs) with an option for eight additional vessels. The vessels are set to be constructed at China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd. (CMHI) for CIDO Shipping. This order is included in Cargotec's third-quarter 2024 order intake, with deliveries scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2026 and conclude by the fourth quarter of 2029. The contract encompasses the design and essential components for quarter ramps, side ramps, internal ramps, covers, and liftable car decks, along with installation assistance. MacGregor's successful collaboration with CMHI, marked by dependable deliveries and high-quality solutions, was pivotal in securing this contract. CIDO Shipping's longstanding partnership with MacGregor, which includes equipping numerous vessels with MacGregor technology, also influenced the decision. Magnus Sjöberg, Senior Vice President of the Equipment Solutions Division at MacGregor, expressed pride in continuing the partnership with CMHI and CIDO Shipping. He emphasised that the order reflects MacGregor's commitment to delivering innovative and reliable solutions that enhance operational efficiency and vessel performance over the long term. This order highlights the company's strong relationships with its customers and its reputation for reliability and quality in the maritime industry. This order not only signifies growth for MacGregor but also underscores the ongoing demand for advanced cargo handling solutions in the evolving shipping sector.
