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Two shipping firms to start container feeder service at MPT

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PANAJI : Spelling good news for Goa’s export and import business, two shipping firms have shown interest in operating container feeder services at the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT). A new  container feeder operated by Shreyas Shipping and Logistics is expected to start from August 26 connecting MPT with Mundra port, the largest private port of India located on the north shores of the Gulf of Kutch.

Another container vessel operated by MSC Agency (India) has sought a tentative berthing slot at MPT which will connect Goa with Colombo and Tuticorin. MV OEL Colombo, which is operated by MSC Agency (India) has approached MPT for a berthing slot for August 21 with about 90 containers to be offloaded and around 70 containers to be shipped out.

Container agent Maersk Line had asked its customers to stop taking container bookings from MPT after the only container feeder vessel operator Sima Marine discontinued the service from August 3. Immediately after that on August 5, MPT announced substantial discounts for any new feeder operator with additional discounts for container vessels for three months for the seafood export season. MPT also waived off berthing charges for the first port of call of any feeder service which prompted MSC Agency (India) to show interest in operating its own vessel for import and export of containers.

“We have just got the new that Shreyas Shipping and Logistics is looking to resume the feeder service at Goa effectively from August 26 with the first call and they are planning to target the hub at Mundra. Definitely, Mundra is the right choice in the current scenario as it will give the right exposure for Goa across the globe,” said Capt Swaminathan Rajagopalan, commercial manager at CMA CGM India Pvt Ltd. Rajagopalan said that consistency and frequency of the feeder service will be the game changer.

The logistics committee of Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) had recently approached MPT and other state government officials expressing concern over the discontinuation of the feeder service.

A new container feeder service operated by Shreyas Shipping and Logistics is expected to start from August 26 connecting MPT with Mundra port. Another container vessel by MSC Agency has sought a tentative berthing slot at MPT which will connect Goa with Colombo and Tuticorin.

Source : Times Of India

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