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Italian shipping company Ignazio Messina & C. has launched the Red Sea Express Line, expanding its India–Red Sea service network to increase sailing frequency and cargo capacity on a trade corridor that connects India with the Gulf and Saudi Arabia. The new service is scheduled to begin operations from Nhava Sheva on 27 August 2026.
The Red Sea Express will operate alongside the company's existing Jolly Line service, providing additional departures and greater schedule flexibility for cargo moving between the Indian subcontinent and the Red Sea region. The move comes as shipping lines continue to strengthen service offerings on regional trade lanes amid growing demand for reliable connections.
To support the new service, Ignazio Messina has deployed the MV Berham Box, a vessel dedicated exclusively to the Red Sea Express route. The service will follow a rotation of Nhava Sheva – Sohar – Jeddah – Nhava Sheva, operating on a 20-day frequency.
The route is expected to provide regular connectivity between India, Oman and Saudi Arabia, supporting the movement of containerised cargo as well as industrial equipment, machinery and project cargo. Increased sailing options are also expected to improve supply chain planning for exporters and importers serving the region.
The launch strengthens Ignazio Messina's presence in the Indian Ocean–Red Sea corridor, a market that has seen sustained demand for dependable shipping services. By adding capacity and dedicated vessel deployment, the carrier aims to improve network resilience while expanding its regional liner service portfolio.
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Chennai Port Authority has sought government approval for a ₹17,000 crore outer harbour project that will add 5 million TEUs of container capacity in two phases. The project is proposed to be developed through a hybrid public-private model, with marine works such as breakwater construction, dredging and reclamation planned under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) at an estimated cost of ₹7,000 crore. Container terminals will be developed through a DBFOT concession with private investment. The first phase is planned with an 18-metre draft, followed by a second phase with a 21-metre draft, enabling the facility to handle larger vessels and additional transhipment cargo. The proposal comes as Chennai’s existing container terminals face capacity constraints, while the port’s location within the city limits limits further expansion of current facilities. The outer harbour is expected to support gateway cargo from Tamil Nadu’s manufacturing and export sectors while strengthening Chennai’s role in east coast transhipment. Subject to approval, the project could be awarded by mid-to-late 2027, with construction expected to begin in 2028 and container operations targeted for 2033. The outer harbour is also expected to include berths supporting the requirements of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates
Mundra, Gujarat | September 5, 2026 A strike by empty-container depot operators at Mundra Port has disrupted the movement of export-import (EXIM) cargo, with transporters also joining the stoppage. The disruption is affecting the return and availability of empty containers required for export cargo stuffing. The dispute follows Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ)'s decision to restrict empty-container yard codes outside the Mundra port/SEZ limits. Under the new system, shipping lines are required to nominate empty containers to designated yards within the Mundra SEZ. Empty-container yard operators have opposed the move, arguing that it could adversely affect their businesses. The resulting stoppage has created difficulties for exporters, importers, freight forwarders and transport operators. Industry estimates suggest that around 5,000 containers a day could face delays, increasing the risk of shipment rollovers, missed vessel cut-offs, additional transportation costs and detention charges. APSEZ plans dedicated empty-container yard Amid the disruption, APSEZ has announced plans for a dedicated Empty Container Yard (ECY) inside the Mundra Port SEZ, with integrated warehousing facilities. The facility is intended to centralise empty-container handling and improve operational efficiency. However, the effectiveness of the new facility could depend on the availability of transport services, as container transport operators have also supported the ongoing strike. Impact on exporters and importers The disruption is particularly significant for industries that depend heavily on Mundra for international shipments. Exporters may face difficulties obtaining empty containers for factory stuffing, while importers could experience delays in returning empty boxes. Trade bodies have called for intervention to maintain the smooth flow of EXIM cargo and prevent additional costs from being passed on to exporters and importers. What it means for the logistics sector The Mundra situation highlights the importance of empty-container availability and last-mile connectivity in maintaining uninterrupted container supply chains. A prolonged disruption could increase logistics costs, create congestion and affect export schedules. With APSEZ developing a new dedicated yard while depot operators continue their protest, the coming days will be important for determining whether container movement at Mundra returns to normal. Key takeaway: The Mundra disruption is creating immediate pressure on India's EXIM supply chain, while APSEZ's proposed dedicated empty-container yard could provide a longer-term solution to streamline empty-container handling.
Thiruvananthapuram: Vizhinjam International Seaport has officially commenced full-scale Export-Import (EXIM) operations, opening a direct maritime gateway for cargo from South India to global markets. The launch was marked by the flag-off of the port’s first commercial export consignment to Valencia, Spain. The shipment, comprising frozen traditional food products from Thiruvananthapuram-based Nilamel Exporters, highlights the potential for the port to reduce transit times for exporters by eliminating overseas transhipment points. According to the port, shipments to European markets that previously took nearly 60 days could now reach their destinations in around 24 days by avoiding transhipment through hubs such as Colombo, Singapore and Dubai. The commencement of direct EXIM services marks a significant expansion of Vizhinjam’s role, positioning it not only as a transhipment facility but also as a gateway for inbound and outbound international cargo from the region. Ashwani Gupta, CEO and Director, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), said the company plans to invest an additional ₹16,000 crore to expand the port’s container-handling capacity from 1.6 million TEUs to 5.7 million TEUs. The expanded capacity is expected to strengthen Vizhinjam’s position as a major container hub in the Indian Ocean region as cargo volumes increase. The direct EXIM connectivity is also expected to benefit exporters across Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka by reducing transhipment-related costs and shortening supply chain turnaround times. Key commodities from the region include spices, cashew, marine products, handlooms and manufactured goods. Vizhinjam’s location further supports its role as an international gateway. The port has a natural depth of around 20–24 metres and is located approximately 10 nautical miles from the major east-west international shipping route, allowing it to accommodate large container vessels with limited dredging requirements. The port also uses an automated container-handling system supported by artificial intelligence and algorithm-driven operations, aimed at improving cargo-handling efficiency and safety. With direct EXIM operations now underway and a major capacity expansion planned, Vizhinjam is emerging as an important addition to India’s maritime infrastructure and its efforts to connect domestic exporters more directly with global trade routes. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such news
