A central aspect of the agreement is the plan to develop Vadhavan port, in cooperation with the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority. Hapag-Lloyd stated that this project plays an important role in strengthening India's maritime logistics network.

Hapag-Lloyd containers. Photo: Hapag-Lloyd

The company stated it would contribute its global expertise in shipping and port operations to support the project. The initial phase of Vadhavan port is planned to include four container berths, each featuring two piers approximately 1,000 meters long. These piers are designed to accommodate ultra-large container ships measuring up to 400 meters in length and a maximum of 61 meters in width.

The port's entrance channel boasts a natural depth of about 20 meters, while the internal port area reaches a depth of 17 meters, making it suitable for large tonnage vessels.

Beyond the port project, both parties also discussed developing ship recycling capacity in accordance with the EU Ship Recycling Regulation, which is considered one of the leading international standards today.

The LOI also mentions the potential to reflag up to four vessels to Indian nationality, though specific details remain undisclosed.

Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd, stated that the agreement aims to strengthen the company's long-term cooperation with India. It also supports the nation in expanding its maritime capacity, enhancing global connectivity, and fostering sustainable shipping.

Hapag-Lloyd, headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, is one of the world's largest container shipping companies. The company was founded in 1970 from the merger between Hapag and Norddeutscher Lloyd. Currently, it operates a fleet of hundreds of vessels, connecting over 600 ports in more than 130 countries. Hapag-Lloyd provides global container shipping, logistics services, and supply chain solutions. In recent years, the company has increased investment in digitalization and emissions reduction, aiming for sustainable shipping development.

The Dan (according to Seatrade Maritime News)