CARGOCONNECT-AUGUST2024 - Flipbook - Page 63
H
ow does the implementation of
the National Logistics Policy,
including initiatives like NLP
Marine and policies such as Harit
Sagar, aim to transform maritime trade
and transport operations in the country?
The National Logistics Policy (NLP), launched
in September 2022, has catalysed various
initiatives across ministries, including the NLP
Marine platform which serves as a unioed
interface for stakeholders. For instance,
a stakeholder in Varanasi can seamlessly
register and arrange transportation from
Varanasi to destinations like Germany. They
can handle transactions, pay shipping charges
online, and track cargo transport, resulting
in streamlined logistics operations due to
single-window clearance for various services.
In addition, initiatives like Harit Sagar
promote eco-friendly transportation
methods such as coastal shipping, which
currently accounts for 7 per cent of total
cargo transport. Plans are underway to
increase this share to 15 per cent soon, with
the aim to improve cost-efectiveness and
environmental sustainability in maritime
transportation and logistics.
The NLP Marine and policies like
Harit Sagar represent signiocant strides
towards optimising logistics operations and
promoting sustainable transport practices
across India. These eforts not only facilitate
smoother transactions and cost savings
but also align with global best practices in
logistics management and environmental
stewardship.
How is India9s ongoing infrastructure
development in ports expected to enhance
logistical efficiency and reduce costs
through initiatives such as increased
berth capacity and accommodation of
deep-draft vessels?
India currently boasts a substantial cargo
handling capacity of 2,500 million tonnes,
yet the demand for deep-draft ports remains
critical. Responding to this need, the Indian
government has greenlit the Vadhavan
Port Project in Maharashtra, which aims to
achieve a depth of approximately 20 meters
upon completion. This ambitious initiative
marks a transformative step forward in
port infrastructure, facilitating direct vessel
arrivals from international origins like the
USA, thereby bypassing intermediary hubs
such as Singapore or Colombo. By enabling
direct docking at Vadhavan for cargo destined for India, this development enhances
logistical eïciency across Maharashtra,
Gujarat, Karnataka, and Goa, streamlining
operations and eliminating the necessity
for dual cargo handling.
The strategic implications are profound,
promising significant cost reductions,
enhanced capacity eïciencies, and operational optimisations. Direct vessel arrivals
at Vadhavan are anticipated to substantially
lower logistical costs, delivering beneots
to businesses and consumers alike. This
improvement is part of a comprehensive
efort to revamp India9s port infrastructure,
which includes expansions at all twelve major
ports and additional 65 ports to bolster
berthing capacities. These expansions are
designed to accommodate increased volumes
of vessels concurrently, thereby improving
operational nexibility and continually driving
down handling costs.
Where is the ports and shipping sector
in terms of embracing digitisation and
automation for streamlining operations,
transforming services and transactions
and meeting the need for optimisation?
Digitisation and automation play a crucial
role in transforming India9s approach to
international trade via shipping, enhancing
eïciency, security, and competitiveness in
the global logistics landscape. With improved
infrastructure and stringent productivity
standards, the industry is digitising processes
such as online payment of shipping charges,
eliminating the necessity for physical oïce
visits. This streamlined approach beneots
stakeholders by reducing transaction times
and simplifying logistics operations.
The development of deepdrafted ports and expanded
berthing facilities at Vadhavan
and other ports marks a pivotal
advancement for India's maritime
sector. These initiatives not only
enhances trade competitiveness
but also underscores the nation's
commitment to modernising
infrastructure and driving
economic growth. By facilitating
smoother, more cost-effective
logistics operations, these
initiatives contribute significantly
to India's role as a key player
in global maritime trade and
transportation.
Furthermore, automation optimises
logistics by enabling trucks to autonomously
navigate port facilities, thereby reducing
handling times and operational costs. The
deployment of advanced container scanning
technology further enhances security proCARGOCONNECT AUGUST 2024 | 63
