India to Expand Fleet with 1,000 New Ships in Major Maritime Boost

The new firm will be a joint venture between international and state-run entities. In an effort to reduce its dependency on foreign shipping services and take advantage of growing trade revenue, India plans to create a new shipping firm and increase the size of its fleet by at least 1,000 ships over the course of the next ten years. This programme is a component of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plan to make India a developed country by 2047. The new shipping company, which has not yet been given a name, will be a joint venture between the state-owned Shipping Corporation of India, international partners, and state-run businesses in the oil, gas, and fertiliser sectors. By 2047, this strategic partnership hopes to cut India's freight costs to foreign carriers by one third, according to anonymous government sources. As we increase our exports and imports by 2047, current projections indicate that freight expenses will grow to $400 billion, a government source with firsthand knowledge of the situation told Reuters. Indian businesses spent $85 billion on goods in the 2019–20 fiscal year, of which $75 billion went towards employing foreign boats. India's slow growth of its shipping fleet in comparison to its rapid trade, especially in energy imports and refined oil product exports, is the reason for the country's considerable reliance on foreign carriers. Approximately 1,500 large boats, including tankers, LNG carriers, cargo ships, and dry bulk carriers, make up India's fleet at the moment. The oil and shipping ministries of India came up with a plan to bridge this gap by utilising the Shipping Corporation of India's expertise in tanker ownership, purchase, and operations to enable state-run oil corporations to work with the new shipping company. To create a comprehensive plan for this endeavour, a cooperative working group comprising leaders from the government and industry was formed in January. The newly formed company would have its headquarters at Gujarat's GIFT IFSC, a financial hub created to compete with centres like Singapore by offering tax breaks and streamlined rules. A maritime development fund worth over 300 billion rupees ($3.6 billion) in collaboration with major port authorities will provide seed money to the company. Furthermore, rather than arranging one-way trips or brief charters, state-run companies are urged to enter into 15-year charter agreements with the new company in order to provide low-cost, long-term loans for shipbuilding. By using this strategy, state-run businesses can also invest in the newly formed shipping and leasing company. With the help of this strategic strategy, India hopes to become more independent in its maritime trade and drastically cut the amount of goods it sends overseas. The new firm will be a joint venture between international and state-run entities.

June 10, 2024 | Logistics
Boeing Addresses Tariff Risks in Global Supply Chain

Boeing has announced steps to address tariff risks that are impacting its global supply chain, particularly in the wake of trade disputes between the U.S. and key suppliers. Tariffs on materials and components imported from regions such as China and Europe have increased production costs for the aerospace giant, creating challenges for its pricing structure and overall profitability. Boeing is working closely with government authorities and industry stakeholders to mitigate the effects of these tariffs. The company is exploring alternative sourcing strategies, including reshoring and diversifying its supply base to reduce its reliance on specific regions and shield itself from tariff fluctuations. Boeing’s efforts reflect the broader trend of companies seeking to de-risk their supply chains from geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. The company’s focus on adapting to tariff risks is critical as it strives to maintain its position in the competitive aerospace market.

March 27, 2025 | Logistics

DFCCIL Freight Operations Doubled During Maha Kumbh: Boosting India's Supply Chain

The Maha Kumbh 2025 is not just a spiritual mega-event, it's also a massive logistical challenge. With millions of devotees flocking to #Prayagraj, the demand for essential goods skyrocketed. And guess who stepped up to handle this supply chain chaos like a pro? The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL). DFCCIL’s Freight Boom During Maha Kumbh DFCCIL, India's backbone for freight movement, saw its operations double during Maha Kumbh 2025. Yes, you read that right! Freight trains ran at full throttle, ensuring a seamless supply of food, water, medical essentials, and other critical items to the holy city. The increased freight traffic supported the event and proved how India's logistics sector is evolving with world-class infrastructure. Why Did Freight Demand Spike? Maha Kumbh is no ordinary event, it’s the largest human gathering on the planet. This means: Massive food supplies were needed for millions of pilgrims. Water tankers and sanitation materials had to be transported in bulk. Medical supplies were in high demand to support emergency health services. Construction materials for temporary shelters and bridges had to be moved swiftly. Traditional freight systems would have struggled under such pressure, but DFCCIL’s dedicated corridors ensured uninterrupted movement, preventing congestion on passenger train routes. How DFCCIL Made It Possible DFCCIL has been a game-changer in India’s logistics sector, and Maha Kumbh 2025 was the ultimate test of its efficiency. Here’s how they aced it: Electrified Freight Corridors: Faster and eco-friendly freight movement. Double-Stack Container Trains: Maximizing cargo per train run. Bypassing Passenger Rail Traffic: No more freight delays due to crowded passenger routes. Smart Traffic Management: AI-driven scheduling to ensure smooth train operations. The Bigger Picture: India’s Freight Future The success of DFCCIL during Maha Kumbh 2025 isn’t just about one event, it’s a glimpse into India’s future as a global supply chain leader. With DFCCIL expanding its network, businesses will benefit from faster, cost-effective, and sustainable freight transport. This means lower logistics costs and a stronger economy. So, the next time you see a freight train speeding past, remember, it’s not just cargo. it’s the lifeline of India’s booming supply chain.

Indian Supply Chain Week

January 28-29, 2025 | Gandhinagr, Gujarat
Whizzy Logistics Accelerates Telangana’s Green Mobility Vision with Launch of 200 New EV Bikes

Whizzy Logistics, a leading logistics startup, is taking significant steps to support Telangana’s green mobility vision by launching 200 new electric bikes. This initiative is part of the state’s broader push toward sustainable urban mobility and reduced carbon emissions. The new fleet of electric bikes will be used for last-mile delivery, contributing to the reduction of air pollution and traffic congestion in urban areas. Whizzy’s move aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly transportation options, especially in the logistics and delivery sectors. By investing in electric vehicles (EVs), Whizzy Logistics aims to not only lower operating costs but also position itself as a leader in green logistics. Telangana’s government has been supportive of such initiatives, offering incentives and infrastructure to promote EV adoption. As the demand for e-commerce and urban deliveries continues to rise, Whizzy’s commitment to green mobility sets a positive example for other logistics companies to follow.

March 31, 2025 | Logistics
Morrisons' Turnaround Efforts Hampered by Cyberattack

Morrisons, one of the UK’s largest supermarket chains, has faced significant setbacks in its ongoing turnaround efforts following a major cyberattack. The attack disrupted various operations, including the company’s online services and internal communication systems, severely impacting its ability to manage inventory, logistics, and customer orders. The timing of the cyberattack, as Morrisons was trying to recover from previous financial challenges, has added further complexity to its recovery strategy. Analysts warn that the cyber incident could delay the retailer's digital transformation initiatives and damage customer trust, particularly in its e-commerce operations. As the company works to address the breach, Morrisons must reassess its cybersecurity measures and determine the long-term impact of the attack on its market position and supply chain resilience. The attack underscores the growing vulnerability of retailers to cyber threats, especially as digital channels become increasingly central to operations.

March 27, 2025 | Logistics
Schneider Electric Invests $700 Million to Strengthen North American Supply Chain

Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, has committed to investing $700 million to enhance its North American supply chain operations. This investment will be used to expand manufacturing capacity, improve logistics capabilities, and accelerate the digitalization of its supply chain in the region. The move comes as part of Schneider Electric’s strategy to bolster its resilience against supply chain disruptions, improve delivery times, and meet the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions. By strengthening its North American supply chain, Schneider Electric aims to better serve its customers, improve production efficiency, and reduce its environmental impact. The company’s investment also underscores the increasing importance of supply chain resilience and digital innovation in maintaining competitiveness in the global market.

March 27, 2025 | Digital Transformation

India a Supply Chain Hub

Logistics

The U.S. Is Not Prepared to Win an Economic War Against China-Built Containerships, Farmers, Ocean Carriers Warn

As tensions between the U.S. and China continue to escalate, U.S. farmers, ocean carriers, and logistics experts are warning that the country is ill-prepared to win an economic war against China, especially when it comes to the global container shipping market. Many of the ships operating in the U.S. are built by Chinese manufacturers, which raises concerns about reliance on China for critical shipping infrastructure. U.S. farmers, who rely heavily on exports, fear that disruptions in shipping could affect their ability to sell goods abroad, especially given the global nature of supply chains. Similarly, ocean carriers are concerned that retaliatory tariffs or disruptions in the shipping industry could significantly increase costs and reduce the flow of goods. This warning highlights the vulnerabilities in U.S. supply chains, with the agricultural and logistics sectors particularly at risk if tensions continue to escalate.
March 25, 2025 | Logistics

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