Shapoorji Pallonji Group to merge port holding cos

Shapoorji Pallonji Group is planning to merge SP Imperial Star and SP Port Maintenance, which hold Dharamtar and Gopalpur Ports. Dharamtar has been sold to JSW, while Gopalpur is being sold to Adani. The merger will follow Company Law Tribunal procedures, taking several months to finalize.

The National Logistics Policy, unveiled in September 2022, has set goals to optimise India’s logistics landscape. It has focused on increasing the share of railways in the freight movement (currently at 18 per cent) through the development of dedicated freight corridors (DFCs), improving road infrastructure, and expanding inland waterways.

India has significant potential to become a hub for green shipbuilding, an expert said. The government is focusing on alternative fuels and renewable energy. Investments and technology transfer from Japanese and Korean shipyards are encouraged. The aim is to upgrade shipyards and port infrastructure. India aims to be among the top shipbuilding nations by 2030 […]

India is set to allow private terminal operators at central government-administered ports more flexibility in tariff setting. New guidelines will enable public-private partnership (PPP) concessionaires to determine market-based tariffs, ensuring a uniform regime across major ports. This move aims to create a level playing field while safeguarding the Centre’s revenue and adhering to notified concessions.

India launched the Cruise Bharat Mission to expand cruise tourism over five years, planning 10 sea cruise terminals, 100 river cruise terminals, and five marinas. It aims to double cruise calls and passengers, enhance regional alliances, and increase sea and river cruise passengers significantly by 2029, propelling tourism and connectivity across the subcontinent.

EURONAVAL 2024 will gather about 500 exhibitors from over 30 countries at the Paris-Nord Villepinte exhibition Centre from 4th to 7th November. Focusing on innovation and international cooperation, this key naval industry event will showcase developments in maritime security, digitization, AI, and naval equipment amidst growing geopolitical tensions.

DHL Express will raise parcel delivery prices in India by an average of 6.9 per cent starting January 1, 2025. The company adjusts prices annually based on inflation, currency dynamics, and regulatory costs. DHL aims to maintain reliable services despite geopolitical and supply chain challenges, according to senior vice-president R S Subramanian.

The policy would seek to optimise use of waterfront and associated land for industrial purposes. It is expected to bring relief to companies who have developed projects reliant on captive berths since the existing policy does not provide for an extension.

Allcargo Gati has announced a 10.2% general price increase for its express distribution services starting January 1, 2025. This is the first price revision since Allcargo’s acquisition of Gati in 2019. The increase aims to align pricing with operational investments and maintain service quality amid rising fuel costs and inflationary pressures.

India’s central government-controlled ports will nearly double their container handling capacity to 40 million TEUs in the next five years, creating two million jobs. Shipbuilding and repair hubs will be established in several states, supported by a new Greenfield Shipyard Building scheme. Hydrogen manufacturing hubs are also planned, attracting significant investment.