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Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing visited Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), expressing keen interest in India’s maritime sector and port-led development initiatives. The visit underscores the growing importance of maritime cooperation in strengthening economic and logistics ties between the two neighbouring countries.
During the visit, the Myanmar President and his delegation were briefed on JNPA’s operations, infrastructure capabilities, and future expansion plans. As India’s largest container port, JNPA plays a pivotal role in facilitating international trade and serves as a key gateway for cargo movement across South Asia, the Middle East, and global markets.
Officials highlighted the port’s advanced cargo handling systems, multimodal connectivity, digitalisation initiatives, and sustainability-driven infrastructure development. The delegation also toured key facilities to gain firsthand insights into the port’s operational efficiency and logistics ecosystem.
The visit comes at a time when India and Myanmar are looking to deepen economic engagement through enhanced connectivity and trade cooperation. Myanmar’s strategic location along the Bay of Bengal makes it a crucial partner in India’s Act East policy and broader efforts to improve regional supply chain integration.
President Min Aung Hlaing reportedly expressed interest in learning from India’s experience in port modernization, maritime infrastructure development, and logistics management. He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in the maritime sector to unlock greater trade opportunities and improve connectivity between the two countries.
The discussions also touched upon the role of ports in supporting economic growth and regional integration. Industry observers note that stronger maritime collaboration could complement ongoing connectivity initiatives such as the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, which aims to link India’s northeastern states with Myanmar through a combination of sea, river, and road transport networks.
For India, closer maritime engagement with Myanmar offers opportunities to expand trade corridors in the Bay of Bengal region while enhancing supply chain resilience and access to Southeast Asian markets. For Myanmar, collaboration with Indian ports and logistics institutions could support efforts to modernize its maritime infrastructure and improve trade facilitation capabilities.
The JNPA visit formed part of the Myanmar President’s broader official visit to India, during which both nations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in trade, connectivity, infrastructure development, and regional security. Analysts view the engagement as a positive signal for future collaboration in maritime logistics, port development, and cross-border supply chain networks.
As regional trade patterns continue to evolve, deeper India-Myanmar maritime cooperation could play an important role in shaping more efficient and interconnected logistics corridors across the Bay of Bengal and the wider Indo-Pacific region.
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Chennai Port Authority has sought government approval for a ₹17,000 crore outer harbour project that will add 5 million TEUs of container capacity in two phases. The project is proposed to be developed through a hybrid public-private model, with marine works such as breakwater construction, dredging and reclamation planned under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) at an estimated cost of ₹7,000 crore. Container terminals will be developed through a DBFOT concession with private investment. The first phase is planned with an 18-metre draft, followed by a second phase with a 21-metre draft, enabling the facility to handle larger vessels and additional transhipment cargo. The proposal comes as Chennai’s existing container terminals face capacity constraints, while the port’s location within the city limits limits further expansion of current facilities. The outer harbour is expected to support gateway cargo from Tamil Nadu’s manufacturing and export sectors while strengthening Chennai’s role in east coast transhipment. Subject to approval, the project could be awarded by mid-to-late 2027, with construction expected to begin in 2028 and container operations targeted for 2033. The outer harbour is also expected to include berths supporting the requirements of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates
Mundra, Gujarat | September 5, 2026 A strike by empty-container depot operators at Mundra Port has disrupted the movement of export-import (EXIM) cargo, with transporters also joining the stoppage. The disruption is affecting the return and availability of empty containers required for export cargo stuffing. The dispute follows Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ)'s decision to restrict empty-container yard codes outside the Mundra port/SEZ limits. Under the new system, shipping lines are required to nominate empty containers to designated yards within the Mundra SEZ. Empty-container yard operators have opposed the move, arguing that it could adversely affect their businesses. The resulting stoppage has created difficulties for exporters, importers, freight forwarders and transport operators. Industry estimates suggest that around 5,000 containers a day could face delays, increasing the risk of shipment rollovers, missed vessel cut-offs, additional transportation costs and detention charges. APSEZ plans dedicated empty-container yard Amid the disruption, APSEZ has announced plans for a dedicated Empty Container Yard (ECY) inside the Mundra Port SEZ, with integrated warehousing facilities. The facility is intended to centralise empty-container handling and improve operational efficiency. However, the effectiveness of the new facility could depend on the availability of transport services, as container transport operators have also supported the ongoing strike. Impact on exporters and importers The disruption is particularly significant for industries that depend heavily on Mundra for international shipments. Exporters may face difficulties obtaining empty containers for factory stuffing, while importers could experience delays in returning empty boxes. Trade bodies have called for intervention to maintain the smooth flow of EXIM cargo and prevent additional costs from being passed on to exporters and importers. What it means for the logistics sector The Mundra situation highlights the importance of empty-container availability and last-mile connectivity in maintaining uninterrupted container supply chains. A prolonged disruption could increase logistics costs, create congestion and affect export schedules. With APSEZ developing a new dedicated yard while depot operators continue their protest, the coming days will be important for determining whether container movement at Mundra returns to normal. Key takeaway: The Mundra disruption is creating immediate pressure on India's EXIM supply chain, while APSEZ's proposed dedicated empty-container yard could provide a longer-term solution to streamline empty-container handling.
Thiruvananthapuram: Vizhinjam International Seaport has officially commenced full-scale Export-Import (EXIM) operations, opening a direct maritime gateway for cargo from South India to global markets. The launch was marked by the flag-off of the port’s first commercial export consignment to Valencia, Spain. The shipment, comprising frozen traditional food products from Thiruvananthapuram-based Nilamel Exporters, highlights the potential for the port to reduce transit times for exporters by eliminating overseas transhipment points. According to the port, shipments to European markets that previously took nearly 60 days could now reach their destinations in around 24 days by avoiding transhipment through hubs such as Colombo, Singapore and Dubai. The commencement of direct EXIM services marks a significant expansion of Vizhinjam’s role, positioning it not only as a transhipment facility but also as a gateway for inbound and outbound international cargo from the region. Ashwani Gupta, CEO and Director, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), said the company plans to invest an additional ₹16,000 crore to expand the port’s container-handling capacity from 1.6 million TEUs to 5.7 million TEUs. The expanded capacity is expected to strengthen Vizhinjam’s position as a major container hub in the Indian Ocean region as cargo volumes increase. The direct EXIM connectivity is also expected to benefit exporters across Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka by reducing transhipment-related costs and shortening supply chain turnaround times. Key commodities from the region include spices, cashew, marine products, handlooms and manufactured goods. Vizhinjam’s location further supports its role as an international gateway. The port has a natural depth of around 20–24 metres and is located approximately 10 nautical miles from the major east-west international shipping route, allowing it to accommodate large container vessels with limited dredging requirements. The port also uses an automated container-handling system supported by artificial intelligence and algorithm-driven operations, aimed at improving cargo-handling efficiency and safety. With direct EXIM operations now underway and a major capacity expansion planned, Vizhinjam is emerging as an important addition to India’s maritime infrastructure and its efforts to connect domestic exporters more directly with global trade routes. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such news
