CTL BHP International Expo & Conference 2025 concludes as a resounding success
Exim India’s CTL BHP International Expo & Conference 2025 (March 11-12), the 15th edition, South Asia’s premier, mega cargo and logistics exposition and conference, wrapped up its second and final day on March 12 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai with resounding success, featuring a dynamic line-up of events that drew in industry leaders and visitors in large numbers.
The second day too commenced with an expo inauguration ceremony, where leading luminaries of the cargo and logistics industry cut the ceremonial ribbon, officially opening proceedings. This set the tone for a day brimming with insightful sessions and lively discussions.
The exposition was inaugurated on Day 2 by:
* Mr Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority
* Capt. Deepak Tewari, MD, MSC Agency (India) Private Limited & Chairman, Container Shipping Lines Association (India)
* Mr Rajen Shah, Chairman & Managing Director, S J Logistics India Limited
* Mr Vivek Kele, Director, Teamglobal Logistics Pvt. Ltd
* Mr Sanjeev Harale, President, Brihanmumbai Custom Brokers Association (BCBA) & Founder, Interport Clearing Services
* Mr Vishal P. Mehta, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Djibouti in India & CEO, Rushabh Sealink And Logistic Pvt. Ltd
* Mr Devki Nandan, Chairman, Indian Maritime Centre; President, Indian Private Ports & Terminals Association; Vice President, Society of Affordable Redressal of Disputes; and Managing Director, JSW Middle East Liquid Terminal and JSW Overseas FZE
* Capt. Atuldutt Sharma, Managing Director, Höegh Autoliners India & Head of Sales – Middle East, India & Sri Lanka, Höegh Autoliners
Key sessions
Three pivotal sessions followed (CTL 2025), each addressing key aspects of logistics and supply chain, including container transportation, multimodal logistics, supply chain & warehousing, the impact of technology, importance of adhering to the changing regulations and safety standards in hazardous cargo movement, etc. These were marked by the presence of esteemed industry leaders who put forward their pertinent views facilitating knowledge sharing. Attendees had the unique opportunity to gain insights from these thought leaders, making the sessions highly informative.
Inaugural Session – CTL 2025 – Best Global Practices in Multimodal Logistics in a new era of technological advancement and rapid
infrastructure development
* Capt. Deepak Tewari, MD, MSC Agency (India) Private Limited & Chairman, Container Shipping Lines Association (India)
* Mr Vivek Kele, Director, Teamglobal Logistics Pvt. Ltd
* Mr Devki Nandan, Chairman, Indian Maritime Centre; President, Indian Private Ports & Terminals Association; Vice President, Society of Affordable Redressal of Disputes; and Managing Director, JSW Middle East Liquid Terminal and JSW Overseas FZE
* Mr Sanjay Kushwah, Managing Director – India, Sri Lanka & Bangladesh, Hapag-Lloyd India Pvt. Ltd
* Mr Sanjeev Harale, President, Brihanmumbai Custom Brokers Association (BCBA) & Founder, Interport Clearing Services
The distinguished speakers emphasised on geopolitics and its impact on logistics and shipping trade. An example being the Israel-Gaza conflict that continues despite efforts to end it. The Red Sea crisis has harmed global trade, it was pointed out. Now with Trump in the US, tariff threats have become the new normal. China, Canada, India don’t know what to expect from the mercurial Trump. Of course, India has not responded in a belligerent manner like China or Canada and is quietly working on a trade deal. Another speaker praised government efforts to ease Customs clearances through technology. The plan is to have an integrated Customs system to clear goods in an hour. A point of discussion was port congestion, which, it was pointed out, will be a challenge. It was highlighted that the trade would benefit from the Vizhinjam International Transhipment Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Kerala, an automated facility.
Fifth Technical Session: Enhancing Efficiency and Transparency in Supply Chain & Warehousing through Technology
* Mr Shantanu Bhadkamkar, MD, ATC Global Logistics Pvt. Ltd (Session Chairman & Moderator)
* Ms Kruti Jobanputra, Director, JW Group
* Mr Amit Maheshwari, Founder & MD, Softlink Global Pvt. Ltd
* Mr Vinay Koka, Head of Sales & Partnerships – India Region, ODeX India Solutions Pvt. Ltd
* Mr Ankur Dekivadia, Deputy General Manager - SCM, Safari Industries (India) Ltd
* Mr Pankaj B. Mali, Lead – Imports/Exports & Bangladesh operations, Mondelez Foods India Pvt. Ltd
* Mr Shyamal Kumar Bakuli, General Manager – Commercial & Logistics, Grasim Industries Limited (MBDD)
The eminent speakers pointed out that enhancing efficiency and transparency in supply chain & warehousing through technology was possible but is not the only thing. In fact, they said that AI and other technologies may be enabled but cannot bring efficiency on their own. What is important is to use AI to increase efficiency. Investment in technology should be taken as investment, not as expense. A speaker pointed out that technology has helped cut costs by employing fewer workers. Transparency was another buzzword during the discussion and speakers felt that all stakeholders should be transparent in their dealings with each other.
Sixth Technical Session – Adapting to Evolving Regulations and Safety Standards in HAZCHEM Transportation – The Way Forward
* Mr R. K. Rubin, Founder and Managing Director, Transcon Group (Session Chairman & Moderator)
* Mr Shashi Kallada, Consultant & Trainer - Dangerous Goods By Rail, Road, River and Sea
* Mr Jayyannt Lapsiaa, President, All India Liquid Bulk Importers & Exporters Association
* Mr Mayur Kapasi, Head Customs Operations, BASF India Limited
* Mr Manoj Murmu, Purchase Head, Aarti Industries Ltd
The discussion was about hazardous materials that needed special care in handling. IMDG Code and its implementation was a key focus of the deliberation. Eminent industry veterans pointed out that India lacks proper infrastructure to handle hazardous materials at its ports. A speaker made the point that hazardous cargo moves on the same streets as normal goods, which is far from ideal. A representative from a manufacturer asserted that his company fully adheres to the IMDG Code. Emphasis was also on proper training of the workforce handling hazardous chemicals.
The event concluded with a HAZCHEM Masterclass by Mr Shashi Kallada, Consultant & Trainer - Dangerous Goods By Rail, Road, River and Sea on ‘New Developments & Safety Standards in HAZCHEM Cargo Movement’. He elaborated on the critical importance of safe and secure handling of hazardous and dangerous cargo, the necessity of adhering to all the relevant rules and regulations, and following the global best practices.
Another value addition was the Consultant Clinic, where experts in export-import matters, GST issues, insurance, and legal issues addressed queries and suggested solutions to those seeking advice.
There were also a few Lucky Draws over the two days, which saw winners take home exciting prizes.
The footfalls continue
The second day again saw an impressive turnout, with visitors flocking to the exposition in large numbers. The event proved to be a showcase of the best products and services in the cargo and logistics sector, offering a platform for companies to exhibit their latest innovations and solutions. The diverse range of exhibits attracted visitors keen on exploring new business opportunities and networking with key industry players.
The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and collaboration, as participants conferred on relevant issues and explored potential partnerships.
As the curtain fell on CTL BHP 2025, participants across the board were all praise for the event, hailing it as an invaluable occasion that fostered learning, networking and business growth. The next edition is eagerly awaited!
A comprehensive photo-feature and detailed report on the event will be brought out soon.
Source: Exim News Service: Mumbai, March 12