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The proposed deep-sea port project in West Bengal has once again attracted industry attention, with JSW Infrastructure indicating that it will closely study the viability of the newly identified site at Dadanpatrabar. The port operator, part of the diversified JSW Group, had earlier participated in the bidding process for the proposed Tajpur deep-sea port project. Although the company was among the contenders, the project eventually did not move forward after the tender process was cancelled.
With the newly elected state government now considering Dadanpatrabar as an alternative location, JSW Infrastructure believes the project warrants a fresh evaluation. Speaking about the development, Rinkesh Roy, Joint Managing Director and CEO of JSW Infrastructure, said the company would examine the new proposal carefully before taking a view on future participation. A key consideration, according to Roy, will be the navigational channel serving the port. The suitability of the channel, regulatory clearances and operational feasibility will play a decisive role in determining whether the location can support large-scale maritime activity.
Industry observers note that channel depth and accessibility remain among the most critical factors in the success of any deep-water port project, directly influencing vessel movement and cargo handling efficiency. The state government recently announced that Dadanpatrabar is being preferred over Tajpur because of the availability of government-owned land, which could simplify the development of supporting infrastructure such as rail links, roads, logistics parks and warehousing facilities.
While the government is yet to outline the project's execution model, discussions around the port have intensified following recent meetings between senior state officials, representatives of major port operators and the Union shipping ministry. Sources familiar with the matter have also suggested that Dadanpatrabar may offer a more favourable channel configuration than the earlier proposed site, potentially strengthening its long-term prospects as a maritime gateway on India's eastern coast.
The company has outlined a substantial investment programme aimed at modernising cargo-handling infrastructure and enhancing operational efficiency at the historic riverine port. Under the proposed development plan, JSW Infrastructure intends to invest nearly ₹1,500 crore in upgrading six existing berths while also creating two additional container terminals outside the lock-gate system. Recently, the company secured a Letter of Award from Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority for the integrated redevelopment of the facilities. Combined with previously awarded berths, the project is expected to provide container-handling capacity of around 1.4 million TEUs annually. One of the primary objectives is to significantly reduce vessel turnaround time. Through mechanisation and infrastructure upgrades, the company expects to lower berth occupancy from nearly 48 hours to approximately 24 hours per vessel. The improvements are also expected to increase container throughput per ship call. Advanced cargo-handling equipment will enable vessels to load and unload larger volumes during each visit, thereby improving productivity and reducing congestion.
According to Roy, these operational efficiencies could eventually lower freight costs by allowing shipping lines to undertake additional voyages each year. The integration of port operations with rail-based logistics services is also expected to create a more seamless supply-chain solution for cargo owners. Despite the challenges associated with operating a river port with relatively shallow draught, Roy believes Kolkata enjoys a distinct advantage due to its proximity to major consumption centres.
A significant proportion of the cargo handled at Netaji Subhas Dock is destined for Kolkata and the broader Bengal market. With utilisation levels already crossing 90 per cent and cargo volumes continuing to grow at a healthy pace, the company sees a strong business case for expanding capacity. As industrial activity gathers momentum in eastern India, JSW Infrastructure expects Kolkata's strategic location and infrastructure upgrades to position it as a key logistics hub for the region's next phase of growth.
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Italian shipping company Ignazio Messina & C. has launched the Red Sea Express Line, expanding its India–Red Sea service network to increase sailing frequency and cargo capacity on a trade corridor that connects India with the Gulf and Saudi Arabia. The new service is scheduled to begin operations from Nhava Sheva on 27 August 2026. The Red Sea Express will operate alongside the company's existing Jolly Line service, providing additional departures and greater schedule flexibility for cargo moving between the Indian subcontinent and the Red Sea region. The move comes as shipping lines continue to strengthen service offerings on regional trade lanes amid growing demand for reliable connections. To support the new service, Ignazio Messina has deployed the MV Berham Box, a vessel dedicated exclusively to the Red Sea Express route. The service will follow a rotation of Nhava Sheva – Sohar – Jeddah – Nhava Sheva, operating on a 20-day frequency. The route is expected to provide regular connectivity between India, Oman and Saudi Arabia, supporting the movement of containerised cargo as well as industrial equipment, machinery and project cargo. Increased sailing options are also expected to improve supply chain planning for exporters and importers serving the region. The launch strengthens Ignazio Messina's presence in the Indian Ocean–Red Sea corridor, a market that has seen sustained demand for dependable shipping services. By adding capacity and dedicated vessel deployment, the carrier aims to improve network resilience while expanding its regional liner service portfolio. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
The Gujarat Government has launched the Shipbuilding Policy 2026, a strategic initiative aimed at transforming the state into India's premier shipbuilding and ship repair hub. The policy seeks to attract investments exceeding Rs 27,000 crore, create a shipbuilding capacity of 50 lakh Deadweight Tonnage (DWT), and establish two world-class shipbuilding parks, reinforcing Gujarat's position in the country's maritime and logistics ecosystem. The new policy comes at a time when India is intensifying efforts to strengthen domestic shipbuilding capabilities under the broader vision of developing a self-reliant maritime sector. With Gujarat already accounting for a significant share of India's ship recycling, ports and maritime trade, the state aims to leverage its extensive coastline, robust port infrastructure and industrial ecosystem to emerge as a global destination for shipbuilding. A key highlight of the policy is the development of two integrated mega shipbuilding parks equipped with modern infrastructure and common facilities. These parks are expected to support the construction of commercial vessels, specialised ships and offshore structures while also promoting ancillary industries involved in marine equipment, engineering and component manufacturing. To attract investors, the policy offers a range of financial incentives, including capital assistance, interest subsidies, skill development support and infrastructure incentives. The state government expects these measures to encourage both domestic and international companies to establish manufacturing facilities and expand operations in Gujarat. Besides increasing industrial investment, the initiative is projected to generate substantial employment opportunities across shipbuilding, ship repair, marine engineering, logistics and allied sectors. The policy also places emphasis on developing a skilled workforce through dedicated training programmes, ensuring the availability of specialised talent required by the industry. Industry experts believe the policy could significantly strengthen India's maritime manufacturing capabilities while reducing dependence on imported vessels. The expansion of shipbuilding infrastructure is also expected to improve coastal shipping, facilitate exports and enhance the efficiency of the country's logistics network. The Shipbuilding Policy 2026 aligns with the Centre's vision of making India a global maritime powerhouse and complements ongoing investments in ports, coastal infrastructure and multimodal logistics. By creating an enabling ecosystem for shipbuilding and marine manufacturing, Gujarat is positioning itself to play a pivotal role in supporting India's long-term ambitions in global trade and supply chain development. With substantial investments, infrastructure development and industry-friendly incentives, Gujarat's latest policy is expected to provide fresh momentum to the country's maritime economy while strengthening the state's leadership in the logistics and shipping sector. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Global container carrier CMA CGM will implement revised Freight All Kinds (FAK) rates and introduce a new Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) for shipments from the Mediterranean and North Africa to the Middle East Gulf and Red Sea, effective 1 August 2026, as carriers continue to adjust pricing in response to evolving market conditions and regional operational challenges. The revised FAK rates will apply to dry cargo and paying empty containers originating from Mediterranean ports. Freight charges will vary depending on the origin and destination, with shipments to the Middle East Gulf attracting higher rates from the Black Sea and East Mediterranean than those from the West Mediterranean and Adriatic regions. Cargo destined for Red Sea ports will also be subject to updated tariffs based on the port of origin. Alongside the rate revision, CMA CGM will introduce a Peak Season Surcharge on the same trade lanes. A surcharge of USD 1,500 per container will apply to dry cargo, out-of-gauge cargo and paying empty containers moving from the Adriatic, East Mediterranean and Black Sea to both the Middle East Gulf and the Red Sea. Shipments from the West Mediterranean and North Africa to the Middle East Gulf will incur the same surcharge, while cargo bound for the Red Sea from those origins will attract a lower USD 500 per container charge. The carrier said the published FAK rates cover base ocean freight and bunker-related costs. However, customers should expect additional charges, including terminal handling, safety and security fees, contingency charges and other local surcharges, where applicable. The pricing changes come as shipping lines continue to respond to capacity constraints, fluctuating operating costs and ongoing security risks affecting trade through the Red Sea and surrounding maritime corridors. Recent geopolitical tensions in the region have also contributed to higher bunker costs, prompting carriers to revise pricing across multiple services. For shippers and freight forwarders operating on Mediterranean–Middle East trade lanes, the revised freight rates and seasonal surcharges are expected to increase transportation costs from August, requiring adjustments to freight budgets and supply chain planning. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
