Loading...
India’s automobile export ecosystem received a major boost as Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) established a new national benchmark for vehicle exports at Mundra Port. The port successfully loaded 6,548 cars onto the vessel Morning Post, marking the highest-ever single-vessel car loading operation recorded in the country.
The shipment, destined for multiple Latin American markets, underlines the growing scale of India’s automotive manufacturing and export capabilities. It also reinforces Mundra Port’s position as one of the country’s most critical logistics gateways for automobile exports and Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) cargo operations.
The achievement reflects APSEZ’s continued investment in integrated port infrastructure, digital logistics systems, and operational efficiency. Industry observers note that handling such a large volume of passenger vehicles on a single vessel requires seamless coordination between shipping lines, terminal operators, transporters, and automotive manufacturers. The record operation demonstrated the efficiency of Mundra Port’s Ro-Ro facilities, advanced yard management, and rapid turnaround capabilities.
This milestone follows a series of operational achievements by APSEZ in recent months. Earlier this year, the company reported record cargo handling volumes and highlighted its ambition to become a global integrated transport utility. APSEZ currently commands a significant share of India’s container and cargo handling market and is targeting one billion tonnes of cargo throughput by 2030.
For India’s automotive sector, the development is strategically important. Faster port handling, improved vessel turnaround times, and reliable export infrastructure are becoming increasingly crucial as Indian automakers expand their footprint across emerging markets in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. Mundra Port’s latest achievement signals the rising competitiveness of India’s supply chain and maritime logistics ecosystem in supporting global vehicle exports.
๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ: https://cargoconnect.co.in/ for more updates!
Italian shipping company Ignazio Messina & C. has launched the Red Sea Express Line, expanding its IndiaโRed 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 โ Sohar โ Jeddah โ 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 OceanโRed 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.ย
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. ๐๐ญ๐๐ฒย ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ย ๐ญ๐จย CARGOCONNECTย ๐๐จ๐ซย ๐ฅ๐๐ญ๐๐ฌ๐ญย ๐ฎ๐ฉ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ฌ!
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 MediterraneanโMiddle 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.ย
