Bhubaneswar: Maersk, the global integrator of container logistics, recently successfully completed its first import shipment to Sambalpur from the Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Jharsuguda (Odisha). The shipment carrying 80 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit) was delivered to Shyam Metalics. Whilst a few of the top customers in the region have already moved containers on the import side – with more in the pipeline, this delivery is testament to Maersk’s efforts to unlock new trade opportunities in Odisha by leveraging the operational commencement of the ICD situated in Jharsuguda.
All major metal customers have shown interest in the import leg as well since there is a clear value to it. Prompted by the need to bring the container inventory closer to the customer needs, the ICD aims to reduce the complexities in the supply chain, enabling small and medium-sized businesses to multiply the benefits of trade. This will further encourage inclusive growth and prosperity across the region. Strategically located in Odisha’s prime industrial belt, the ICD can deliver empty containers to the customers in a matter of hours, helping them reduce transportation costs by almost 15-20%.
Commenting on this milestone achievement, Maersk South Asia managing director Steve Felder said, “ As global integrator of container logistics, our aim is to simplify the supply chain by facilitating end-to-end logistics, reducing the transit time and cost to make it more accessible and sustainable for everyone. We believe that this will empower the local trade ecosystem to become more inclusive, thereby amplifying livelihood across the region.”
With a plan to run a weekly export train providing a doorstep pickup and delivery, the company has projections of handling in excess of 4,000 TEUs on an annual basis. Coupled with the availability of Receipt for Shipment (RFS) facility, ICD Jharsuguda will further help slash the transit time of shipments from 10 days to 5 days, thus helping customers address their logistical challenges across the supply chain. The company is witnessing demand from metal customers and plans to further expand its services to other verticals moving forward.
Maersk South Asia head of intermodal, Akshyat Bhatia said, “Efficiency is the key to any business success, and we are here to reduce the complexities in logistics, so that our customers can focus on their business growth extracting more value from trade.”
Pleased with the export delivery, Vinod Agrawal, General Manager Logistics, Vedanta Aluminium Ltd., said “We have availed ‘end to end’ factory stuffing services of Maersk Jharsuguda ICD for a trial period of 2 months and executed 500 TEU’s so far. Maersk has provided seamless service in this regard, with complete ownership. This is a classic example of expertise that Maersk offers in logistics and services. Jharsuguda ICD is strategically located to provide value addition to all customers in this region for import & export. We look forward higher volume & further collaboration with Maersk in this regard. “
Likewise, Saurav Das, DGM Sales and Marketing, Shyam Metalics & Energy Ltd., mentioned, “Maersk has provided us with hassle-free and end-to-end logistics solutions. As we see a clear value-delivery and new business growth opportunities through this product, we expect to increase our volumes in the near-future post successful import delivery.”
