APM Terminals CEO, Kim Fejfer spoke at the ceremony stating “The port’s strategic location and excellent connectivity make it the best choice for shippers in the Asian, African, Middle-East, European, Mediterranean and US trade lanes." Mr. Fejfer switched on the first of two, new post-Panamax quay cranes recently delivered to the port, which have expanded its container handling capacity, bringing the total number of gantry cranes to eight. During the ceremony, the foundation stone for a new Customs House was laid, a new fertilizer bagging plant was opened, lifting the port’s handling capacity for bagging this key cargo from 1000 to 10,000 tons per day, and phase one for plans of a new employee housing complex were announced.
Since APM Terminals took on the operation of Port Pipavav in 2005, the company has invested more than 11 billion rupees in port infrastructure, including a major dredging project nearing completion in May 2009, deepening the draft to 14.5 meters. “We are strongly committed to India, as seen in our significant, ongoing investments at Pipavav and at our Gateway Terminals of India facility at Nhava Sheva in Mumbai,” added Mr. Fejfer – who also paid tribute to the public private partnership which was integral to the establishment of the port, thanking the Government of India, the Government of Gujarat, the Gujarat Maritime Board and investors.
Speaking about future development at the port, the Managing Director of Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd, Mr. Prakash Tulsiani said he and his team did not just look to the sea. ”Surrounding our port, we have at least 400 hectares of land available for expansion of port-related services and businesses to meet trade growth for years to come. Our Property team is working closely with potential development partners, to ensure that we maximize the use of this land in a way that enhances the customer experience. We welcome approaches from any potential tenant or investor with strategic ideas to add value to the services and facilities we currently provide – there are great business opportunities awaiting them. Effectively, customers have a “one stop shop” for the full range of port related services, including pilotage, towage, Container Freight Stations, refrigerated services and pre-trip inspections. Deepwater and all weather access makes Pipavav the obvious port of choice for this growth area of India. We have some unbeatable advantages over other Indian ports – in particular our strategic location and outstanding road and rail connectivity.”
The Port of Pipavav, India’s first private sector port, has become the most popular trade gateway for Northwestern India. It is backed by the strength, resources and global expertise of APM Terminals and is one of very few ports in India to offer customers completely integrated port services. Extensive infrastructure has been developed to handle all types of cargo including breakbulk, bulk, containerized and liquid. The port also provides storage and warehousing, plus office accommodations. Equally important, an on-dock rail terminal for bulk and containerized cargoes can handle 22 trains per day with scheduled services to and from major markets throughout Northwestern India.
