Over Dimensional Cargo forced to take the tortuous route

With the economic boom lot of mega projects are being set up and many others in the pipeline. These projects depend on massive imports including turbines, huge plate mill and presses, naphtha cracker units, reactors, crusher plants, etc. All these being heavy lift cargo of over-dimensional sizes have to be transported by road to the project site in the hinterland after being unloaded at the port concerned. With the economic boom lot of mega projects are being set up and many others in the pipeline. These projects depend on massive imports including turbines, huge plate mill and presses, naphtha cracker units, reactors, crusher plants, etc. All these being heavy lift cargo of over-dimensional sizes have to be transported by road to the project site in the hinterland after being unloaded at the port concerned. Considering the prevailing infrastructure in India and there being no common regulatory authority nor any specific laws guiding the movement of heavy lift cargo. It calls for a lot of expertise, presence of mind, and innovativeness on the part of the operator to overcome the myriad hurdles that are faced until they reach the destination.

Unfortunately the road is littered with corrupt practices, procedural delays, obstacles poor road condition and lack of infrastructure, the past few years have seen several operators entering the field to grab a share of the growing pie. As the pie keeps growing more players are entering the fray.

Traditionally called over dimensional cargo (ODC), it has taken on a wider focus and is also commonly known as project cargo. According to Mr. Nilesh Gandhi, Director, Express Transport Pvt. Ltd., handling project cargo is a professional task requiring technical expertise, an experienced team, and the right people on the job, infrastructure, and hands-on management.

Mr Pawan Agarwal, Director of India based MFC Transport Pvt. Ltd. says "There is not much competition in this field. This is because most of the time operators find that it is not practical or feasible to handle such heavy cargo.

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Council 100 to celebrate IMO past, present and future

Visits from United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-moon and His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester will be among the highlights of a series of celebrations and events to be held next week (16-20 June 2008) to mark a number of major milestones in the history of IMO.

In addition to hosting the 100th session of the IMO Council, the week will see IMO inaugurate its newly-refurbished Headquarters, commemorate 60 years since the adoption of the IMO Convention and 50 years since that Convention entered into force, as well as mark the 25th and 20th anniversaries, respectively, of the World Maritime University (WMU) and the IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI).

On Monday, I6 June, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will give a special address to the IMO Council. He is expected to highlight the work of IMO not just in terms of the service it provides in regulating the maritime industry, but also in the wider context of the international agenda set by the United Nations, including IMO's work to support the Millennium Development Goals, protect the environment and promote sustainable development. IMO Secretary-General Mr. Efthimios E. Mitropoulos will welcome the UN Secretary-General and Mrs. Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Transport for the United Kingdom, IMO's host Government, who will also address the Council.

On Tuesday, 17 June, His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester will officially open the Organization's refurbished Headquarters, on London's Albert Embankment.

Although the building, which was purpose-built for the Organization in the 1970s and is leased from the host Government, is largely unchanged externally, the £62 million project has brought dramatic internal changes. The building now reflects the very latest technological, IT and communication facilities of the 2 1st century and also incorporates state of-the-art safety, security, environmental and occupational health features. Enhanced meeting, catering and office facilities, for both delegates and staff, have created a modern workspace to meet the Organization's current and future needs.

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Colregs violation

As master of the ship, I was keeping the 08.00 to I2.00 watch on a clear day, steering 053oT; speed 15 knots. I observed by radar, a crossing target (later seen to be container vessel) on my port bow, bearing approx 020 T' distance 12 miles, on a collision course. There was no other vessel in the vicinity and the other vessel's identity was verified on the AIS.

I watched as the other vessel continued to approach, still on a collision course. When she was about 3.5 miles off, and was taking no avoiding action, I called her on VHFl6. When I received a response to my second call, I asked for the container vessel's intention. The officer's reply was for me to keep clear as he did not want to carry out a large alteration of course, of about 50 degrees. I advised him that under the Colregs it was his duty to keep clear. The officer instantly became abusive and 'ordered' me to keep out of his way. I reminded him that we were on VHF 16. He then agreed to alter course. After altering, the officer of the container vessel advised me in a very haughty voice that he was the master I would have thought the master of a ship would be more likely to follow the Rules. I advised him that 1, too, was the master of my vessel. After passing clear, the master (?) of the container actions. I am afraid that this sort of reaction from so-called certificated officers is becoming far too common.

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ProLogis rnakes entry through JV with K Raheja

The logistics sector is set to get a major boost with ProLogis the world's largest logistic and warehousing developer having made an entry into India through a 50:50 joint venture with leading real estate developer, K Rajeha Corp, for the development of warehousing and logistic Infrastructure in the country. The JV intends to invest around Rs 2300 crore over the next 3 years for acquisition of land, development of properties and management of assets.

The venture will initially focus on securing development opportunities in the cities Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Pune which are among the fastest growing locations for distribution operations in India. It is expected to develop 7.5 million sq. ft. in the next 3 years and a total of 25 million sq. ft. with the next 5 years.

The logistics sector is set to get a major boost with ProLogis - the work's largest logistic and warehousing developer having made an entry into India through a 50:50 joint venture with leading real estate developer, K Raheja Corp, for the development of warehousing and logistic Infrastructure in the country.

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