The success of SLS Kolkata can be appraised from the fact that even on a busy Tuesday, the summit witnessed a footfall of more than 200 delegates from various sectors including logistics service providers, shippers, industry bodies, and public sector enterprises.
Kolkata has long and illustrious history of maritime trade, and it still plays a defining role in eastern parts of India. So when it comes to converse about logistics and cargo movement in the region, there couldn’t be an ideal venue than the City of Joy to be the host to the Smart Logistic Summit (SLS). R. Ramprasad, Editor-in-Chief, Maritime Gateway, in his inaugural address presented a quick preview about various initiatives and trade meets organised by Gateway Media t the interest of the maritime and logistics sector. Shedding some light on the SLS series of events, he elucidated that the summit was launched with the primary objective to focus on the hinterland, and connect the shippers from the region with the service providers. He highlighted various initiatives by Gateway Media, such as the market research division that tracks container & cargo trends; technological solutions for the industry like VGM and Expressway.
He stressed on the growing influence of the region on maritime and logistics sector in the recent years, and recalled that Gateway Media’s one of the earliest industry summits was convened in Kolkata way back in 2010, and appreciated the continued support and warm response from all stakeholders.
Ramprasad shared that container volume growth and correction in freight rates are positive signs. He cautioned that every business activity is prone to disruption, and no port and terminal can claim that a hinterland is owned by them. With growing competition cargo is constantly shifting because customers are in a hurry to find time and cost effective solutions. Other disruption is coming from technology like digitalisation, block-chains and IoT. Hence it is important for the industry to be sensitive to the needs of customers. He presented an overview of the performance indicators of Kolkata and Haldia ports, such as pre- berthing time and turnaround time.
Ramprasad also appraised the audience that on the behest of Bangladesh government, the 2nd edition of annual South Asia Maritime & Logistics Forum, 2018 is going to be hosted by Ministry of Shipping, Govt. of Bangladesh at Dhaka on October 9-10. Sabyasachi Hajara, Chairman of Editorial Advisory Board, Maritime Gateway and former CMD, The Shipping Corporation of India, in his welcome address said that maritime industry is a knowledge driven sector and forums like SLS are vital for knowledge sharing among maritime professionals. In terms of cargo foot print and GHG emissions, shipping sector is much more efficient compared to aviation, road and rail transport.
