MSC enhances Paradip-Colombo connectivity

PARADIP : MSC, Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A, the world’s biggest container line, has launched a shuttle service linking Paradip Port and Colombo Port with a maiden call on Friday, putting the eastern coast port and one of the 12 owned by the Union government, on the container map and help diversify the cargo mix.

MV MSC Tiger F made its maiden call at the Paradip International Cargo Terminal Pvt Ltd, the facility run by J M Baxi Ports and Logistics Ltd at Paradip Port, on Friday and sailed to Colombo with export aluminium cargo of 90 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU’s) of Vedanta Ltd and 36 TEU’s of Jindal Stainless Ltd.

MSC has initiated a feeder service, strengthening maritime connectivity between Paradip and Colombo. This strategic move falls under the Odisha Government’s visionary VGF scheme, fortifying regional trade dynamics.

On its part, the Paradip Port Authority is offering 75 percent discount in vessel related charges to container lines besides no container scanning charges to boost container traffic. “Henceforth, prospective clients from Odisha will be no more dependent on ports outside the state,”, said Mr. P L Haranadh, Chairman, Paradip Port Authority.

Since starting commercial operations in 1967, Paradip Port has been mostly handling iron ore, coal and crude oil.

“Our approach was only towards improving the coal, iron ore and crude oil traffic. It is time now to diversify the cargo basket as an estimated 2 lakh TEU’s are available in the hinter-land of Paradip Port. The combined efforts of Paradip Port Authority and the Odisha government has yielded results in attracting a reputed container line like MSC to the port. We have a 5 million tonne capacity terminal at PICT which is no less than any other container terminal in the country with a 14.5 metre draft and state of the art machinery to handle container traffic. It is totally underutilized,” Haranadh stated.

“We have a lot of container cargo here with Odisha origin. Like MSC, we will soon sign a VGF agreement with RCL for a Paradip-Port Klang service.

With these two routes, the much needed infrastructure and logistics support for Odisha industries will open up,” said Mr. Saswat Mishra, Principal Secretary, MSME Department, Odisha government.

With the cooperation of major shipping lines, the days are not far off when Paradip Port will emerge as a modern and competitive container port in the country, said Mr. Nilabhra Dasgupta, Deputy Chairman, Paradip Port Authority.

The newly launched feeder service is a pivotal development in the maritime landscape, providing a reliable and efficient link between the ports of Paradip in India and Colombo in Sri Lanka. This initiative is set to catalyze economic growth, promoting smoother trade operations and fostering stronger ties between the two nations.

As part of the Odisha Government’s VGF scheme, MSC’s feeder service aligns with the broader vision to boost infrastructure and enhance logistical capabilities in the region. This collaboration signifies a commitment to facilitating seamless trade, reducing transit times, and optimising cargo movement.

Key Features:

Strategic Partnership: MSC’s feeder service is a result of a strategic partnership with the Odisha Government, reflecting a shared commitment to economic development and maritime progress.

Efficient Cargo Movement: The Paradip-Colombo link is poised to streamline cargo movement, reducing delays and enhancing overall logistics efficiency for businesses in the region.

Regional Economic Impact: The initiative is expected to have a significant positive impact on the regional economy, creating new opportunities and contributing to job creation.

VGF Scheme Support: The Odisha Government’s VGF scheme serves as a catalyst for this collaboration, providing essential support to bolster infrastructure and trade connectivity.

This development underscores the importance of robust maritime infrastructure in fostering international trade relations. MSC’s commitment to elevating connectivity aligns with the broader vision of creating a dynamic and resilient trade ecosystem in the region.