With the shipping sector gradually regaining its lost glory following an improvement in the global financial scenario, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Mumbai is looking to capitalise on the surge in global demand. In a bid to make the port equipped to handle more consignments, especially containers at its container terminal, the port has ordered four quay cranes. However, the cranes are unlikely to be in place soon and installation of the same may take place over the next 9-10 months. “The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) is aware that the shipping industry is just coming out of the financial crisis that impacted the world over. Therefore, it is likely take some time for traders, exporters and shippers across the world to get back to their normal operations. This possibility has prompted JNPT to make this move, the effect of which is expected to be realised later,” says P Jain, director of Kushal Corporation, a mid-sized shipping firm in Ahmedabad. Once the four cranes are in place, JNPT intends to shift some of the old quay cranes to the shallow berths and replace them with new ones. In this regard, it has sent a proposal to acquire three more cranes from the government. SME maritime players upbeat The future plans of JNPT not only augur well for the port, but also for the small and mid-sized maritime players operating from the port. The global economic recession had hit the small players the most. Operating with limited funds, these small maritime entities require opportunities like this on which they can capitalise and revive their business. “JNPT’s plans have certainly given us a lot of hope. While our process of recovery has already begun, a support like this will help in expediting the process,” says D Kamabli, director of Amar Clearing Service, a small-sized logistics firm in Mumbai. Considering that there has been no congestion in the port in the recent years, JNPT’s plans are expected to be implemented on time, which would bring cheer to the port as well as the small maritime players. Prasenjit Das |
