MSC Launches Feeder Service Linking Haldia and Vizhinjam Ports

21 Jan 2025 CW Team

Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. (MSC), the world’s largest container shipping line, has introduced a feeder service connecting the Haldia Dock Complex of the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority with the newly operational container transshipment terminal at Vizhinjam, Kerala, managed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. Previously, containers for the Kolkata/Haldia trade route were transshipped through Colombo, a regional hub. The new "Haldia Shuttle" service, operating every ten days, marks the first feeder service linking an Indian gateway port to Vizhinjam after India established the transshipment facility to reduce its reliance on Colombo. The service will also stop at Paradip port, with calls at terminals managed by J M Baxi Ports & Logistics Ltd at both Haldia and Paradip. MSC feeder vessels can benefit from concessions offered by the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority. These include a 20% discount on vessel-related charges for loading 601–1,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) per call, and a 30% discount for over 1,000 TEUs per call. These incentives, valid for two years, apply to feeder vessels operating between Haldia and transshipment ports like Colombo, Singapore, Port Klang, and Vizhinjam. Since its trial launch in July 2024 and commercial operations starting in December, the Vizhinjam terminal has become a key hub for MSC, handling over 100,000 TEUs during the trial phase alone. India transships approximately 3 million TEUs annually through Colombo, Singapore, and other regional hubs, with Colombo managing 2.5 million TEUs. This reliance results in additional logistics costs of $80–100 per TEU due to extra port handling charges. By using Vizhinjam as a direct transshipment point, these costs could be significantly reduced, enhancing efficiency for the Indian maritime sector, as highlighted in the Maritime India Vision 2030 blueprint. (ET)

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

CFI Appoints New National Council for FY27 and FY28

The Construction Federation of India (CFI) has announced its newly elected National Council and office bearers for a two-year term covering FY27 and FY28. M. V. Satish, Advisor to CMD and Lead Ambassador for Middle East, L&T, has been elected President; Priti Patel, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Tata Projects, has been appointed Vice President; and Ajit Bhate, Managing Director, Precast India Infrastructures, has taken charge as Treasurer.The newly formed National Council brings together senior leaders from major EPC and infrastructure companies, reflecting CFI’s continued focus o..

India REIT Market Gains Momentum with Strong Returns

India’s Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market is witnessing strong growth, emerging as a competitive investment avenue both domestically and across Asia. According to a recent ANAROCK report released at EXCELERATE 2026 by NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen, the sector is evolving into a mature asset class driven by solid fundamentals, regulatory backing and rising investor confidence.The introduction of Small and Medium REITs (SM REITs) in 2025 has further widened access through fractional ownership, unlocking a potential monetisation opportunity of Rs 670–710 billion. Indian REITs have deli..

G R Infraprojects Secures Rs 4,130 Million BESS Contract From NTPC

G R Infraprojects said it has secured a contract from NTPC to supply and implement a battery energy storage system (BESS) valued at Rs 4,130 million (mn). The company reported the order was awarded as part of NTPC's ongoing efforts to enhance grid flexibility and energy storage capacity. The contract represents a notable addition to the firm's project pipeline and underscores demand for utility scale storage solutions. The award is expected to strengthen G R Infraprojects' presence in the energy infrastructure sector and to contribute to the firm's order book and future revenues, subject to st..