To boost global maritime transport, Singtel launches iSHIP, an all-in-one platform providing critical satellite-enabled connectivity and digital services for the maritime industry. iSHIP’s integrated services for fleet management gives ship operators great visibility and flexibility of their resources and operations and enables better vessel safety and operational efficiency. Ooi Seng Keat, VP, Carrier Services, Over-the-Top & Satellite, Group Enterprise, Singtel said, “Seas are our mode of global trade and transport. But the COVID-19 has thrown global supply chains and shipping operations in a disarray, driving crews accustomed to traditional or manual processing methods to navigate digital resources and applications. iSHIP has been designed to redress these particular challenges and give a solution for shipping firms that are giving pace to digital adoption and have decarbonisation and crew welfare high on their agenda.”

Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) signed a MoU with L N Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research, (WeSchool), Mumbai to launch a Post Graduate Programme in Foreign Trade Management (PGP-FTM) on 12 May 2022. The idea is to attract and promote qualified and skilled manpower in logistics and EXIM trade. The MoU was inked by Nandkishor Kagliwal, Regional Chairman, FIEO and Professor Dr. Uday Salunkhe, Group Director, WeSchool. The MoU was signed to cater to the increasing demand in international trade ecosystem. The programme will broadly encompass the General Management Principles, Export Import Procedures, Foreign Trade Management Techniques, and International Marketing Concepts.

ECS Group’s subsidiary, Globe Air Cargo (GAC) Korea has been chosen as the Cargo General Sales Agency Agreement (GSA) to Korea’s hybrid carrier Air Premia, in its home market. In accordance with the signed GSA, GAC Korea fulfils daily operational duties for Air Premia, which include cargo sales, reservations, and ensuring the handling of regular and full charter flights, said an official release. H.E. Shin, CEO of Globe Air Cargo Korea, said in an official statement, “GAC Korea and Air Premia truly act as one team, since we have been there from the start of its inaugural passenger to cargo (P2C) flight out of Seoul to Singapore on 24 December 2021. We are proud to have the opportunity to support Air Premia at its homebase, as its first GSA since the airline was established in 2017 and we look forward to driving Air Premia’s success as it expands its network.”

Sampark India Logistics was conferred with the Best Multimodal Transport & Logistics Company Award at the recently held India Cargo Awards, the country’s topmost supply chain awards which helps create a platform to recognise those behind the success of the cargo and logistics industry. Amrit Lal Meena, Special Secretary (Logistics), Union Department of Commerce and Piyush Srivastava, Senior Economic Advisor, Union Ministry of Civil Aviation presented the award. While receiving the award, Sanjay P Rathi, CMD said, “We at Sampark India have been able to register growth in all categories of services. Our growth strategies include targeting growth in the warehousing sector, scaling up the transportation business for Eastern India from different parts of the country and vic versa. Network expansion across India has been accorded priority and venturing into contract manufacturing would play a major role.”

To improve supply chain performance, CMA CGM has launched an industry first early container return incentive programme at the FMS terminal in Los Angeles and at its return locations in Dallas, Chicago, Memphis, and Kansas City. The 60-day incentive programme started on 16 May 2022 will continue until July 15 2022. “It will assist in putting back 43,000 dry containers into circulation within four days of pick-up. Clients are expected to receive a $300 credit per dry container returned to eligible locations during calendar days one to four. Followed by a calculation of incentive credits, which will be carried out on a weekly basis with a credit memo issued every 14 days to each applicable importer,” said a company release. Ed Aldridge, President, CMA CGM and APL North America, said, “We are committed to doing everything to increase the fluidity and velocity of America’s supply chain. Our new programme will result in an incentive credit for our importers, improve equipment availability for our exporters and expedite the flow of goods into and out of America’s heartland.”

India has been considering entering into a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Oman, said Piyush Goyal, The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles at the 10th Meeting of India-Oman Joint Business Council (JBC) in New Delhi recently. The minister added that India had been looking at a comprehensive trade agreement with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, of which Oman is an important member. Talking about recently held Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) the minister stated that despite close relations, the bilateral trade and investment in the two nations were yet to reach maximum potential. The minister also invited Government of Oman to increase their pharma trade with India. “Our pharma companies will bring quality products at competitive prices to consumers in Oman and help bring down the cost of healthcare,” said the minister and thanked Oman for agreeing to fast-track approvals for the Indian medicines that had already been cleared by strong regulatory environments like UK, EU, and USA.

With the recent announcement of Global Air Cargo branch opening in Seoul, Korea, ECS Group continuing with its expansion in Asia. “The newest branch of ECS Group GSSA subsidiary GAC is a strategic milestone in the Group’s network expansion plans which see the Far East, particularly China, Korea, and Japan, as having the greatest dynamic potential,” said an official statement. Adrien Thominet, Executive Chairman, ECS Group said, “ECS Group pledges to offer the strongest Asian network with unlimited connections. Korea was missing from our extensive network. The first six months of operation have already shown that a local presence on the Korean market is highly welcomed, and we look forward to seeing GAC Korea grow its business in this well-yielding and promising market.”

Since its inception, DP World, Cochin posted the highest ever vessel productivity at 150 moves per hour on the MV TCI Anand (Container Ship that was built in 2003) on March 23, 2022, surpassing 137 moves achieved in July 2019. “Clocking record transhipment volumes of over 1.50 lakh TEUS in 2021, DP World Cochin maintained its first position among South Indian terminals in April 2022 with a volume of 66,000 TEUs,” said a company release. Praveen Thomas Joseph, CEO, DP World Cochin, said, “2021 was a great year for DP World Cochin. Our focus on improving productivity and improving customer relations with active support from Cochin Port Trust has made Cochin a destination for international shipping liners. The WIS service, and the ISG Service connecting Cochin to the Middle East and the East Coast of India has helped achieve volume growth, especially in transhipment. We continue to dedicate our efforts to helping our customers navigate the increased complexities in the current global supply chain eco-system.”

SmartKargo, cloud-based air cargo solutions provider has joined Cargo iQ, a cross-stakeholder organization. SmartKargo offers a suite of scalable applications, including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), a booking portal, and its end-to-end e-commerce shipping solution for global airlines. SmartKargo has joined Cargo iQ is to bring key quality enhancements to the air cargo industry. Milind Tavshikar, CEO, SmartKargo said, “Establishing t quality management standards requires transparency and collaboration among supply chain partners who bring a variety of perspectives to the conversation. We joined Cargo iQ to bring our unique experience to this important interest group and look forward to contributing as well as being inspired by our industry colleagues. Together, we can ensure that standards of quality management evolve steadily in this industry that is so important to the world.”

The Air Charter Association (ACA) announces Challenge Group as its new member to cater to the companies and individuals engaged in aircraft charter. Challenge Group is committed to co-constructing and sharing its values with new communities. The aim is to enhance each other and build the future of the air cargo industry. Or Zak, Vice President Commercial of Challenge Group said, “The association is one of the oldest and most respected air freight related associations globally. The Challenge Group is honoured to be accepted as a member by this association, and we are looking forward to work alongside other members and partners in shaping the future of the air freight industry in general and that of the Global Charter in particular.”