East Coast Maritime Forum & Eastern Star Awards 2025 sees leading stakeholders discuss key issues, share insights and celebrate excellence
Exim India’s East Coast Maritime Forum 2025 - Shippers & LSP Forum & Eastern Star Awards 2025, the landmark 10th edition of the event, successfully brought together the wide spectrum of the industry (see box) in the region and beyond on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Royal Courtyard, Nicco Park, Kolkata, for a fascinating and thought-provoking discussion on ports, shipping, logistics and cargo facilitation in the eastern region, especially Kolkata, which was followed by an enthusing awards gala that acknowledged some of the best in the business.
The theme of this year’s event was “Evolving Ecosystems: Sustainability in Eastern India’s Cargo & Logistics”.
Some of the leading stakeholders participated in the Forum, with the panel discussion moderated by Mr Pramod Kumar Srivastava, Director & CEO, The PDP Group, which saw an engaging and forthright deliberation on the growth in Kolkata and the eastern region, while also addressing the pressing constraints that the sector faces.
Some of the points made in brief
It was emphasised that the over 150-year Kolkata Port [now Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP)] has been continuously adapting to the changes taking place and has transformed from a bulk to container port, which is something unique. The port’s capacity has been increased, infrastructure/equipment augmentation projects have been completed and are ongoing, berths are being mechanised, new services are being initiated, facilitations like regular Kolkata-Haldia rail service have been started, among others, it was pointed out. The port is focused on timely delivery of cargo and customer satisfaction.
It was also highlighted that the port is now capable of handling Capesize vessels.
The eastern region is growing, which in turn will benefit the entire logistics and supply chain. Stakeholders should join hands and work together to find solutions and solve problems, it was stressed.
There was a call made for better utilisation of assets at SMP, improved rail services, enhanced barge connections, and facilitation for main line vessels at anchorage. The eastern region has a lot more scope to grow, but port and overall infrastructure need further augmentation. That will attract bigger vessels, among other advantages.
Draught was highlighted as a major challenge.
The growth and facilitations at east coast ports like Paradip, Dhamra and Vizag were also lauded.
Digitisation has had an impact over the last decade, it was pointed out, especially in Customs procedures, enabling ease of doing business and seamless facilitation. This is true of the Bangladesh border as well. Digitisation is today critical for logistics and all stakeholders need to stay informed and be ready to adapt.
Among the things shippers are looking for are committed service from LSPs, removal of bottlenecks, faster transit by rail, and direct sailings if possible.
The Chief Guest of the event was the illustrious Mr Bill Smart, Chief Executive, Bengal Tiger Line Pte Ltd., Singapore, who highlighted the growth of BTL in India from the maiden call with 23 TEUs 39 years ago to a throughput of half a million TEUs this year in and out.
His captivating address also called for a long-term, realistic vision for growth and success in the region, giving the example of Singapore and its port. He highlighted some of the challenges like lack of draught, the waiting period for vessels and the limitations of the lock system at SMP. There is need for a deep-water facility, he said.
Besides, the pace of change in West Bengal has to be faster, with more investment so that the trade grows to cater to the logistics capacity. A main line vessel will only deviate to Kolkata if there is enough cargo.
He also touched upon the opportunities and lauded the resilience of the logistics fraternity in Kolkata, the friends made and relationships established in his over 35 years of association with India.
Overall, the Forum facilitated an interesting interaction among key stakeholders, encouraging collaborative discussions to find sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by the industry, innovative strategies to overcome constraints and leverage the region’s strengths, paving the way for a more robust maritime ecosystem.
Mr A. K. Bose, Advisor (Traffic), Paradip Port Authority; Mr Ashok Janakiram, Director, Pennon Shipping Pvt. Ltd and President, ASIC; Mr Sudip Dey, Director, Haridass Chunder (Clearing Agents) Pvt. Ltd and Honorary Secretary, FFFAI; and Mr S. Hajara, former CMD of SCI, were some of the other important dignitaries who graced the occasion.
Awards Gala and FelicitationThe event culminated in the highly anticipated Eastern Star Awards 2025, a grand celebration that recognised excellence and innovation in the industry. It honoured the best performers and trailblazers among companies and individuals (in multiple categories) who have made significant contributions to the sector. The evening was a blend of excitement, recognition and celebration, with industry leaders coming together to laud achievements and inspire future success.
Among the highlights was Mr Prodip Kumar Sengupta of Orient Transport Company being presented the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Mr Bill Smart and Ms Prema Krishnan of BTL receiving Special Recognitions.
Eastern Clearing & Forwarding Agency Pvt. Ltd. was felicitated for 75 years of excellence in providing comprehensive end-to-end logistics solutions and associated support services.
The Awards Jury, headed by Mr Pallab Bhatta, was also felicitated.
The East Coast Maritime Forum 2025 was a resounding success, providing a dynamic platform for stakeholders to discuss key issues, share insights, celebrate excellence, as well as avail of the opportunity to network. The event underscored the importance of addressing constraints while capitalising on growth opportunities to ensure the sustained development of the maritime sector in the eastern region.
Source: Exim News Service: Kolkata, Jan. 12