India is set to make a strong foray into the global container shipping industry. Container Corporation of India Limited is one of the major players in the logistics space in India and is a subsidiary of the Ministry of Railways that has commissioned a study of the global shipping market. India is slowly but surely growing aspirations to leverage opportunities sprouting up globally in trade and logistics.
CONCOR is one of the largest multi-modal logistics companies in India. It operates 66 container terminals, 380 container trains and a fleet of more than 48,000 shipping containers, besides having more than 4 million square feet of warehouse space. The company is currently offering integrated rail and road transportation solutions across India. This is set now to be developed into an international container shipping venture with the regions currently targeted for its base of operation including South Asia and the Middle East.
To support its strategic planning, CONCOR has roped in big global consultancy firms, Ernst & Young, KPMG, and PwC, in order to carry out a comprehensive market study. This would cover the shipping industry both in India and across South Asia and the Middle East as a whole, helping frame the future direction of the company within the international container shipping arena. The study will evaluate the market potential, key industry players, regulatory landscape, and financial considerations. It will also assess the resources and strategies required to establish a competitive presence in the international container shipping sector.
The roadmap will focus on several key areas, including market segmentation, route planning, and the operational model for CONCOR’s shipping services. Potential strategies under consideration include fleet acquisition, terminal infrastructure, and leveraging CONCOR’s existing logistics network for seamless integration. They will also consider the risks related to that of fuel price volatility, geopolitical events, and port congestion.
This foray into international shipping is going to benefit the export-import trade for CONCOR and establish itself in international markets. The final report will be submitted to the company by 2025, after which the company will decide whether it wants to move forward with establishing itself as an international shipping player.
