CTL BHP International Expo & Conference 2025 kicks off with top-notch industry participation and massive visitor interest
The first day of Exim India’s CTL BHP International Expo & Conference 2025 (March 11-12), the 15th edition, at the Jio World Convention Centre, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, was marked by great enthusiasm, fanfare and eager participation from the entire spectrum of the maritime, cargo and logistics industry.
Leading lights at the inauguration
The inauguration ceremony, graced by key sectoral luminaries, marked the beginning of a dynamic event featuring well over 100 exhibitors showcasing their innovative solutions and services. The exhibition hall buzzed with activity as industry professionals and enthusiasts thronged the venue, eager to explore the latest advancements in cargo and logistics.
The expo was inaugurated by:
* Mr Gopal Krishna, IAS, Former Shipping Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, Government of India & Chairman, CSC (Conciliation and Settlement Committee)
* Mr Rajen Shah, Chairman & Managing Director, S J Logistics India Limited
* Ms Shannon Gonzales, Global Senior Director, Project & Energy Services, Expeditors
* Mr Rajith Aykkara, Vice President, Bahri Line
* Mr Ashish Sheth, Chairman & MD, Sarjak Container Lines Pvt. Ltd
* Mr Dushyant Mulani, Director, Khimji Poonja Freight Forwarders Pvt. Ltd & Chairman, Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations in India (FFFAI)
* Mr Rajiv Jalota (Retd. IAS), Advisor, Indian Ports Association
* Dr P. K. Raut, Deputy Director General of Shipping, Directorate General of Shipping, Ministry of Shipping, Government of India
Following the inauguration, the event proceeded with an insightful inaugural session that set the tone for the day. Four technical sessions followed, each delving into pertinent topics related to shipping, cargo, logistics and ex-im trade. Thought leaders and experts from various sectors shared their knowledge and perspectives, providing valuable insights into current trends and challenges facing the industry.
The theme of the conference is ‘Transformative Era in Shipping & Logistics – The Indian & Global Perspective’.
CTL BHP 2025: Inaugural Session – Bullish on India
The Inaugural Session was graced by:
* Mr Gopal Krishna, IAS, Former Shipping Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, Government of India & Chairman, CSC (Conciliation and Settlement Committee) & Event Convener
* Mr Rajiv Jalota (Retd. IAS), Advisor,
Indian Ports Association
* Dr P. K. Raut, Deputy Director General of Shipping, Directorate General of Shipping, Ministry of Shipping, Government of India
* Mr Rajen Shah, Chairman & Managing Director, S J Logistics India Limited
* Mr Ashish Sheth, Chairman & MD, Sarjak Container Lines Pvt. Ltd
* Mr Marc Oliver Willim, Global Head of Chartering, Austral Asia Line Pte Ltd
* Mr Stefan Peeck, Technical Project Cargo Manager, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA
* Mr Dushyant Mulani, Director, Khimji Poonja Freight Forwarders Pvt. Ltd & Chairman, Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations in India (FFFAI)
* Mr Rajith Aykkara, Vice President, Bahri Line
One of the most striking observations of this session was that the next decade is going to India’s decade in logistics. There was general consensus that the country’s growing economy, rapid infrastructure development, especially pertaining to logistics, focus on digitisation and technology, and forward-looking government initiatives will take the sector to new heights with world class facilities and surging multi-cargo volumes to and from global destinations. But India could do with more de-regulation, it was also pointed out, to free entrepreneurs from needless regulatory barriers.
First Technical Session: Global Trends and Challenges in Break Bulk and Project Cargo Logistics
* Dr Sharmila Amin, Chairperson & Member Board, Globe Forwarding Agencies Pvt. Ltd (Session Chairman & Moderator)
* Mr Dinesh Tek, Head - Indian Subcontinent, Multimax Shipping PTE LTD
* Mr Bibhudendra Maharana, Managing Director, Jolstr Industries Pvt. Ltd & Managing Director, GIVVEN Logistics Pvt. Ltd
* Mr Pradeep Berde, Lead Logistics, Larsen and Toubro Energy
* Mr G. Rajesh Sharma, Head-Logistics Sourcing (Corp Exim) & Head - Exim & Intl Logistics (TBWES), Thermax Limited
* Mr Pratap Singh Chauhan, Head Exim, Jindal Stainless Limited
The discussion was about challenges faced by bulk and project cargo in India and in the world. One speaker pointed out that project cargo movement on Indian roads was a nightmare despite the good work by Mr Gadkari as Minister. It was pointed out that some time it took a year to reach its destination. Another speaker pointed out the difficulty he faced in sending project cargo from India to West Africa and Latin America. Online bidding by non-serious logistics service providers was another problem faced by the project cargo sector.
Second Technical Session: Constraints and Opportunities in the Break Bulk sector in a resurgent Indian economy
* Mr Ramesh Babu, Founder & MD, Seashell Logistics Pvt. Ltd (Session Chairman & Moderator)
* Mr Denis Bandura, Managing Director, BBC Chartering Mideast DMCCO
* Capt. Atuldutt Sharma, Managing Director, Höegh Autoliners India & Head of Sales – Middle East, India & Sri Lanka, Höegh Autoliners
* Mr Supal Shah, CEO, Sarjak Container Lines Pvt. Ltd
* Mr Vishwa Pai, Director, Prolog India Private Limited
* Mr Christopher Phillips, Director, Seatech Shipping & Projects (India) Pvt. Ltd
* Mr Rahul Agrawal, CEO-Projects, Express Global Logistics Pvt. Ltd
* Mr Girish Pandey, Director, Transglobal Projects India
* Mr Jay Kumar Patro, HOD – Logistics, Plasser (India) Private Limited
* Mr Vishwas Pendse, Head Supply Chain, Tema India Ltd
There was a general impression that project cargo sector is booming in India and investors should take advantage of it. However, it was cautioned that logistics service providers should be chosen very carefully and preferably partnered in profit and loss. It will make them more responsible towards the projects. Another point was that the people handling project cargo should know the condition of ports to be able to handle it efficiently.
Third Technical Session: Shippers Perspective on Infrastructure, Regulations & Logistics Services
* Mr Xerrxes Master, MD, Master Group of Companies (Session Chairman & Moderator)
* Mr Lenny Abrao, MD, Abrao Group of Companies
* Ms Shannon Gonzales, Global Senior Director, Project & Energy Services, Expeditors
* Mr Anand Iyer, Head – Corporate EXIM & Commercial, Thermax Ltd
* Mr Shaukat Shaikh, Head - Logistics & Warehousing, Wirtgen India Pvt. Ltd. - A John Deere Company
* Mr Gopinath Phargade, Head - Logistics, Prodair Air Products India Pvt. Ltd
The discussion was about the close relationship between the shippers and the logistics service providers. Speakers likened the relationship to a couple, who fight but needed each other to survive. The emphasis was on trust between them. Collaboration was another buzzword during the discussion for shippers and LSPs. The regulations aspect from the government side was also discussed and reduction in road permits etc. were recommended. Ease of taxation/duties was felt necessary for the export and import sector to flourish.
Fourth Technical Session: Empowering Women in Shipping & Logistics – Rising to the Challenges
* Ms Rukhsana Vohra Mithani, Director, SAI MARITIME & MANAGEMENT (P.) LTD. & Representative, JSL Alliance (Session Chairman & Moderator)
* Ms Geetha Sheth, Assistant Vice President, J M Baxi Ports & Logistics
* Ms Anjeeta Mehta, General Manager – Human Resources & Business Process, Samsara Group
* Ms Rashmi Kulkarni, Regional Head – Ocean Freight, Asia Pacific, ISSGF India Pvt. Ltd
* Ms Sanjna Vardhan, General Manager, Procam Logistics Pvt. Ltd
* Ms Deepa Joshi, Commercial Director Feeder India, Unifeeder, a DP World Group Company
* Ms Snehal Niraj Khedkar, Project Logistics Manager, Fluor Corporation
The discussion was women having work life balance in the industry. The general opinion was that it is good and companies have been cooperative in this matter. Women were in agreement that supportive husbands and teams were very important. Some speakers mentioned their passion for logistics to be in the sector. They all felt that industry was supportive. However, it was pointed out that women were fewer in the top positions in the logistics sector in comparison to banking and technological sectors. They narrated experiences about working late night with male colleagues without any difficulty.
Heavylift Masterclass
The day concluded with a highly anticipated Heavylift Masterclass, conducted by Mr Karsten Behrens, Managing Director, SAL Engineering, which offered attendees a deep dive into the complexities and nuances of heavy cargo transportation. It equipped participants with practical knowledge and advanced techniques.
The overwhelming footfall and enthusiastic participation on the first day of the exhibition underscored the significance of this event for the cargo and logistics community. With a diverse array of exhibitors and a wealth of knowledge-sharing opportunities, the event promises to continue delivering exceptional value and fostering meaningful connections.
As the exhibition and conference enters its second day, attendees can look forward to more engaging sessions, networking opportunities, and a showcase of cutting-edge innovations that will shape the future of the industry.
Day 2 beckons
The second and concluding day of the event, March 12, will begin with the expo inauguration at 10.30 am and the Inaugural Session – CTL 2025 commencing at 11 am.
It comprises:
*Inaugural Session – CTL 2025: Best Global Practices in Multimodal Logistics in a new era of technological advancement and rapid infrastructure development
* Fifth Technical Session: Enhancing Efficiency and Transparency in Supply Chain & Warehousing through Technology
* Sixth Technical Session: Adapting to Evolving Regulations and Safety Standards in HAZCHEM Transportation – The Way Forward
HAZCHEM Masterclass
The event will conclude with an imperative training session, a HAZCHEM Masterclass by the renowned Mr Shashi Kallada, Consultant & Trainer - Dangerous Goods By Rail, Road, River and Sea, on New Developments & Safety Standards in HAZCHEM Cargo Movement.
Source: Exim News Service: Mumbai, March 11