Getting in ‘line’ with real-time
BHAVIK MOTA, HEAD-TRADE AND MARKETING, Maersk Line, discusses the company’s plans of focussing on digital tracking of containers through software systems to dispatch company’s first mile and last mile effectively.
What’s the objective behind targeting inland containers sector?
Containerisation is the process of sending bulk material via containers. India as a country has 56 per cent containerisation concerning around 75 per cent containerisation in the developed economies. Henceforth, there is a room for increasing containerisation from bulk cargo from the Indian hinterland. Presently, we have 59 inland acceptance points and we are connecting to 17 ports. Most importantly, today one of the major pain points of the customer in the hinterland is lack of reliability and visibility in inland cargo movement. We already have dedicated trains running between Vizag and Birgunj, another dedicated rail connects Pipavav and Dadri. We also need to expend these dedicated solutions across the country.
What are your further plans for India?
Consolidation has already happened on the ocean side, now customers want us to handle their shipments completely end-to-end. Maersk Line India’s market share from the hinterland is almost 20 per cent on an aggregate. And, the growth potential is more from the hinterland, particularly North-West regions of India, as compared to the coastal regions. Moreover, the government initiatives in trade facilitation like Make in India, Ease of Doing Business, etc, show sign of volume growth and we expect this to continue. Also, we are seeing increasing demand from the Indian hinterland from our customers. We are investing in real-time visibility and digital tracking of containers through software systems. Also, we had recently started a new container depot in Pune, Maharashtra. Now, it is also evaluating to develop business around Sonepat in Haryana and Kathuwas in Rajasthan as these will become consolidation points and market hubs with the Dedicated Freight Corridor coming up soon.