DP World has welcomed the first call of ME11/IMX service at its Mundra terminal under the landmark Gemini Cooperation – a strategic alliance between Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk, aimed at enhancing global trade connectivity through a fast, flexible, and reliable ocean freight network. The ME11/IMX service strengthens trade links between the Indian Subcontinent, Middle East, and Europe, offering weekly direct connections from Mundra to key ports including Port Said, Valencia, Tangier Med, Salalah, Jebel Ali and Nhava Sheva. The service will operate with 12 vessels, with an average capacity 16,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Ravinder Johal, Chief Operating Officer, Ports & Terminals, Operations & Commercial, Middle East, North Africa & Subcontinent, DP World, said, “The arrival of the first call under Gemini Cooperation at DP World Mundra is a significant milestone in strengthening India’s trade ecosystem. This collaboration enhances supply chain efficiency, providing our customers with unparalleled access to international markets. With both existing and new Gemini services from Mundra, we are well-positioned to facilitate faster and more reliable trade flows. We look forward to playing a key role in the success of this transformative network worldwide.”      

Boeing has completed the delivery of its 100th 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) to SF Airlines. The 767-300BCF, featuring a special emblem on its nose to commemorate the milestone, was unveiled recently at GAMECO (Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company), where the airplane was converted. Doug Backhus, Boeing Vice President Cabin, Modifications and Maintenance, said, “Celebrating the 100th completed 767-300BCF with SF Airlines and GAMECO is a testament to the strong collaboration that goes into designing, converting and operating these versatile freighters. The 767-300BCF will continue to play a vital role in the air cargo sector for decades to come, providing operators with the reliability and performance they need to be successful.”  

His Excellency General Sharafuddin Sharaf, Vice Chairman, Sharaf Group has announced that the organisation will make investments of ₹5000 Crores in Kerala in logistics and shipping over the period of next five years. The group is expected to invest in two key locations in Kerala, the locations will be finalised post discussions with officials of the state government. His Excellency General Sharafuddin Sharaf, Vice Chairman, Sharaf Group, said, “Sharaf Group has been operating in India for the past 28 years and has a presence in more than seven major cities across the country, chose Kerala for investment due to the state government’s initiatives to simplify the ease of doing business.”

Prozo has launched two new fulfilment centers in Hyderabad, expanding its presence in South India. The new facilities include a multi-client warehouse spanning 17,000 sq. ft. and a client-dedicated space covering 65,000 sq. ft., both strategically positioned to serve a broad customer base across the e-commerce, retail, and enterprise sectors. With this expansion, Prozo now operates 10 fulfilment centers in the state of Telangana. The new FCs are built with enterprise-grade features, including robust fire safety compliance that ensures the highest safety standards for your operations. Equipped with integrated warehouse management systems, these FCs deliver real‑time insights, empowering clients to monitor and manage their inventory with precision. Ashvini Jakhar, Founder and CEO, Prozo, said, “Hyderabad is a significant market for us, given its strategic location and thriving business ecosystem. These facilities are equipped with advanced technology and tailored to support businesses in achieving their supply chain goals efficiently and cost-effectively.”

Haldiram has collaborated with Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) to set up one of the largest saffron processing facilities in the GCC. The facility is set to start operations in March 2025, and will be managed by Kesar Expert & Packers. It will also secure globally recognised European BRCGS certification to guarantee the quality and purity of its saffron, said an Emirates News Agency (WAM) report. Initially the hub will process 30 metric tonnes of saffron, with plans to scale up to 100 metric tonnes over the next five years by leveraging the UAE-India CEPA and the world-class connectivity and infrastructure at Jebel Ali Port and Jafza.  

Swiggy, in a regulatory filing, has confirmed that it will invest ₹1000 crore for the expansion of its subsidiary Scootsy Logistics. “We wish to inform that the Board of Directors of the company have approved the investment by the company in the equity shares of Scootsy Logistics, a wholly owned subsidiary of the company (‘Scootsy’), up to an amount not exceeding Rs 1,000 crore in one or more tranches by way of subscription to a rights issue. The investment will be utilised for working capital and other capital expenditures as part of the company’s business expansion,” stated an official release from Swiggy. Scootsy engages in the business involving supply chain services and distribution.

Jivisha Joshi, Deputy Secretary, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India said, 26 states have already formed their logistics policies. The remaining 10 states have their policies in the draft stage.  For example, in northeast, Sikkim, Meghalaya and Nagaland have their drafts ready and we have already seen the drafts and given our input. We have been actively engaging with the states. We try to have a look at what kind of drafts they are making, and give our feedback based upon what can be incorporated, what extra can be done and what can be the learning. So, cross learning is important. If one state does well or follow a good practice, we generally try to share that with all the other states. So that they can come out with the best possible policies in their case and scenario. By the end of the year, we may have all the policies in place.  

Rhenus opens a state-of-the-art warehouse facility that supports storage and fulfillment of over 7,000 IKEA products. The 180,000 sqft facility is the first fully outsourced Central Distribution Centre (CDC) for IKEA, with sustainable features and leading technology for seamless doorstep delivery to the Delhi NCR region, and in future, more markets in the north. The CDC for IKEA, with a storage capacity of 12,000 m3, will enable the Swedish home furnisher to fulfil most orders within 24 hours, as part of its strategic expansion plans in India. The facility is seamlessly integrated with Rhenus Warehouse Management System (WMS), a best-in-class warehouse logistics solution that allows for efficient transactions throughout Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and solving the complexity of last-mile logistics.

The 26th International Engineering and Technology Fair officially kicked off on 20th February with a ribbon-cutting ceremony during the inaugural session at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The theme of the event is “Building the future of innovative India, with discussions on technology and sustainability. The event will bring together industry leaders, experts, companies, and government officials as they showcase innovative products, exchange ideas, and explore cutting-edge advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Capital Machinery, Digital Gaming, Fluid Power, Industrial Automation, Robotics & Electronics, Modern Logistics Solutions, Metal and Metallurgy, Water & Waste Management, Net Zero Products & Solutions, and Consumer Durables & Electronics.

CCI Group has announced an investment of approximately ₹640 crore in the development of a Grade-A logistics park spanning 20 lakh square feet in Phase 2, Polivakkam, Chennai. The company has earlier made investments of ₹250 crore in Phase 1, which takes the overall investments by CCI Group towards the Polivakkam logistics hub to ₹890 crore. This expansion is strategically structured into two segments, Phase 2A, a standard requirement facility set to be operational by mid-2025, and Phase 2B, dedicated to build-to-suit (BTS) solutions tailored to industry-specific needs. Naresh Sharma, Managing Director, CCI Group said, “Polivakkam is a key hub in CCI’s long-term expansion plans. The region is steadily becoming a logistics hotspot due to its proximity to the Sriperumbudur-Oragadam industrial cluster. By establishing this new facility, CCI Group wants to attract industries reliant on high-quality storage facilities and strengthen the economy in the region.”