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Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions with senior leadership of A.P. Moller–Maersk in Gothenburg, Sweden, focusing on strengthening cooperation in maritime logistics, port infrastructure development, and green shipping initiatives. The meeting underscores India’s growing push to modernise its maritime ecosystem and position itself as a major global logistics and shipping hub.
During the interaction, PM Modi met Maersk Chairman Robert Maersk Uggla on the sidelines of his engagements in Sweden, where he has been holding talks with European industry leaders and government officials. Discussions reportedly centred on opportunities for investments in India’s ports, logistics infrastructure, and sustainable maritime solutions.
The talks assume significance as India accelerates efforts under its Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, aimed at transforming the country’s shipping and logistics capabilities through port-led development, improved multimodal connectivity, and adoption of green technologies. The government has been actively engaging global maritime companies to attract investments and technological expertise into the sector.
Maersk, one of the world’s largest container shipping and integrated logistics companies, has been expanding its presence in India across supply chain solutions, warehousing, inland logistics, and port operations. The company has also been at the forefront of global decarbonisation efforts in shipping, including investments in alternative fuels and low-emission vessel technologies.
Green shipping emerged as a key area of discussion during the Gothenburg meeting. India has increasingly prioritised sustainable maritime operations through international collaborations and policy initiatives focused on reducing emissions and building greener port infrastructure. Recent partnerships with European countries, including Denmark, have already paved the way for initiatives such as a Centre of Excellence in Green Shipping and studies on green maritime corridors.
The meeting with Maersk aligns with India’s broader strategy of strengthening resilient supply chains and enhancing trade connectivity with Europe. Modi, during his engagements in Sweden, highlighted the importance of trusted global partnerships, resilient logistics networks, and sustainable industrial growth amid evolving geopolitical and economic challenges.
Industry observers believe deeper collaboration between India and global shipping leaders such as Maersk could accelerate the modernisation of Indian ports, improve cargo handling efficiencies, and support the transition towards cleaner maritime transport systems. The discussions also reinforce India’s ambition to emerge as a leading player in the global blue economy and sustainable shipping ecosystem.
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
