Paradip - In a significant stride towards enhancing container trade connectivity in the state of Odisha, Unifeeder Group has announced the launch of Export and Import services of containerised cargo from Paradip Port. This move is poised to substantially reduce logistics expenses for customers while facilitating smoother movement of goods for both imports and exports.

The maiden voyage of the M/V.SSL Thamirabarani,Voy: 026, a coastal container vessel, departed from Paradip Port on February 24, 2024, laden with 17 TEUs of export containers belonging to Jindal Stainless Ltd, alongside other coastal containers. This development marks a pivotal moment for Odisha State, renowned for its mineral wealth, as it now boasts enhanced capabilities to cater to both coastal and international cargo, consequently driving down overall logistics costs.

The strategic initiative aligns with the overarching goal of making Paradip Port more vibrant and self-sufficient in handling Export-Import container cargo. Previously, exporters and importers in Jindal in the region had to rely on distant ports such as Visakhapatnam and Kolkata, incurring substantial expenses. With Unifeeder’s introduction of services, Paradip Port emerges as a more robust option, seamlessly connecting customers to overseas destinations.

Venkateswara Rao, Head – Logistics, Jindal Stainless, said, “This is a great initiative by the Unifeeder by doing the export containers from PICT and we are proud to be associated as an exporter with the maiden voyage. The Odisha state has been losing about Rs. 50,000 Cr revenue on yearly basis as the Export-Import container movement has been happening from ports located in neighbouring states like Visakhapatnam, Haldia and Kolkata.”

This development marks a positive trajectory for container trade opportunities in the region , thereby reducing the reliance on other container ports and fostering self-sufficiency. As Odisha leverages its geographical advantage and mineral wealth, Unifeeder’s services from Paradip Port stand as a testament to the region’s growing significance in the global trade landscape.