Interview: From Legacy to Next-Gen Logistics – Abrao Group and Sinotrans outline India Expansion Strategy
At the 2nd Anniversary celebration of Sinotrans in India, hosted by Abrao Group, industry leaders shared their vision for a future defined by sustainable growth, cutting-edge technology, and deeper India–China trade links. In exclusive interviews with India Shipping News, Mr. Lenny Abrao, Managing Director, Abrao Group and Mr. Patrick Chow, DGM Network Planning Dept of Sinolines (Sinotrans) highlighted milestones, challenges, and strategic plans shaping the next decade of maritime logistics.
Abrao Group (Mr. Lenny Abrao Responses)
Q: With nearly nine decades of history, how has Abrao Group evolved in its approach to shipping & logistics? What are some of the biggest changes you’ve observed (technology, markets, customer expectations)?
Our success has come from agility, innovation and technology. Agility to evolve and adapt to changing needs of customers, innovation to meet rising expectations of customers and stakeholders and use of technology to bring in efficiency and enhance the customer experience. As an Agency House, we have striven as far as possible to follow the trade lanes in demand and focus, for India. Digitalization, value added services, better packaging and eco-friendly sourcing are some of the trends we have witnessed with EXIM goods. Use of technology to cope with rising cases of fraud is another aspect.
Q. Abrao Group offers a full spectrum of end-to-end shipping logistics — sea, air, road, STS operations, IT services etc. In a competitive market, what do you believe sets Abrao apart from other integrated logistics providers in India?
As an end-end logistics service provider its not always possible and feasible to provide all services inhouse. Abraogroup has striven to provide maximum services inhouse, building on synergies available within the group. Experience and expertise do add value to customers by way of informed decision making and minimising risks.
Q. Given your collaboration with Sinotrans and the growing trade between India & China, how does Abrao Group see its role in facilitating smoother supply chains, and what strategic initiatives are you planning to strengthen those trade corridors?
India-China trade corridor is a mature and developed trade lane. Abraogroup will provide committed and confirmed space to our customers. If need be, we will also deploy tonnage as we did with the MGX2 service. We will seek out opportunities to develop and grow the trade flows with strategic and feasible interventions.
Q. Shipping and logistics are increasingly under pressure to reduce carbon footprints and adopt sustainable practices. What steps has Abrao Group taken (or plans to take) to ensure more environmentally friendly operations, especially in marine shipping and STS transfers?”
Abrao group is pursuing ESG with vigour and has already taken many initiatives – Solar power and rain water harvesting at Cochin office, water conservation in offices, minimising or avoiding single use plastic, reusing paper, energy efficient lighting, empowering women etc.
Q. Looking ahead, what are the biggest challenges you foresee for Abrao Group in India’s logistics and shipping sector?
Disruptions to trade flows because of geo-politics and climate change. This also provides opportunities which we will seek to capitalize on. Natural and man-made disasters are also on the rise, bringing with it, its own challenges and risks. The downgrade of economies in the west will call for changes to trade flows which could take time to stabilise and develop.
Q. And what is your vision (goals or milestones) for the next 5-10 years for the group?
To be a global leader in providing innovative and sustainable solutions, creating value for our customers and stakeholders. We shall pursue building on synergies and increase collaboration. Grow our network of offices in India and overseas, vessel acquisition and increasing the container fleet are all part of our growth and expansion strategy.
Sinolines (Mr. Patrick Chow Responses)
Q: Sinotrans Container Lines ventured into India in Sept 2023. Since its establishment, what have been the most significant milestones in terms of expansion, network growth, or service offerings in India?
The most signficant milestone is our expansion fm Intra asia network extending to India with our good partner – Abrao Group. We are able to expand in East India as our first step to develop India. Also, since we have the network in China and Intra Asia, our CIE svc led our existing network extending to East India.
Q. Mr. Patrick, will you please share the journey & vision? Could you expand on your strategic priorities in India — for example, in which market from India your focus is ?
Our vision is to expand westward via semi-long haul routes, starting with India as the gateway to the Middle East and Africa. We aim to create a triangular network linking these three high-growth regions, capitalizing on rising cargo flows and economic potential. Strategically, we prioritize semi-long-haul markets (e.g., India-Middle East, India-Africa) to position ourselves as a critical logistics partner in these corridors.
Q. Sinoline’s strengths is its overseas/global network (China + other markets). How do you leverage that in practice to create value for Indian customers (e.g. in terms of transit time, reliability, cost)? Any recent examples?
As a state-owned enterprise with 27 years of expertise in China, we offer:
- Reliable schedules and broad port coverage (coastal and river ports), supported by long-term terminal partnerships for priority berthing.
- End-to-end supply chain sustainability through seamless connectivity to China’s interior logistics networks.
- Cost efficiency by optimizing routes within our Intra-Asia network. Example: Our consolidated shipments from East India to Chinese ports reduce transit times and costs for automotive and electronics exporters.
Q. Given the complexities of multimodal freight forwarding (sea, land, air), warehousing, trucking etc., what are the key challenges you face in ensuring seamless integration? How do you maintain visibility, especially for cross-border shipments?
Freight forwarding has a severe competition and Sinolines has OK SNL in response to this competing environment. We provide forwarding svc for customer and customer can find suitable schedule, transparent vendors, warehouse facilties, customs clearance cost. All svcs that provide are touchable with top AI technology. For the cross-border shipment, we are in line with our brother company – Sinotrans logistics to ensure quality svc.
Q. With changes in trade policies, customs regulations, and geopolitical pressures, how is Sinotrans India managing risk and ensuring compliance? How do these dynamics affect your operations or strategy, specifically for India-China trade?
Frankly speaking, shipping lines have a lot of challenges in face of different countries trade policies, customs regulations and geo- political pressures. Sinoline‘s way in dealing with abv challenges is to ensure doing our best of our svc. Customers will only choose carrier svc based on their reliable and trustworthy svc. If we always adjust, change svc frequently without keeping a reliable svc we will easily be lost in the market. We highly value indo-china trade because India and China totally add up 28 billion population which implies a super big market that we can further develop. We are seeing good relationship in between two countries will have long term development for the shipping.