THREE shipping lines, including Ocean Network Express (ONE), are considering offering container service from Mormugao port in Goa, reports New Delhi's Times of India.

Additionally, Delta Ports, which handles operations at Berth No 10 and 11 of Mormugao port, is in active discussions with Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) to include Goa in the SMILE (SCI-Middle-East-India-Liner-Express) service.

Singapore-based but Japanese owned Ocean Network Express (ONE) senior management team undertook a comprehensive terminal tour of Mormugao port to assess the terminal's container-handling infrastructure.

ONE is jointly owned by the Japanese shipping lines Nippon Yusen Kaisha, Mitsui OSK Lines, and "K" Line.

"This is a major milestone where a global liner has entrusted us and visited Goa for restarting the container services. ONE's management showed keen interest in the ongoing developments at Delta port's Mormugao Terminal Private Limited, particularly regarding the resumption of container services," said an official of Delta Ports.

ONE, currently ranked fifth in the global container trade, operates a fleet of 260 vessels with a capacity exceeding two million TEU.

MPA chairman N Vinodkumar assured ONE of the port's full support, along with incentives to facilitate the commencement of container trade.

Unifeeder is currently studying the feasibility of including Goa in its container network, engaging with leading shipping lines like CMA CGM, ONE, Maersk, MSC and HMM to ship container cargo.

Port officials said that the inclusion of Mormugao port in the SCI's SMILE network will reduce road transport dependency and support cargo movement for salt, industrial salt, tiles, bentonite, and manufactured goods, benefitting local industries.

https://www.shippingazette.com/news?news_id=9250700000538