This explains why none of the global container shipping lines are part of container terminals operating at major ports. Enayam will be the third container trans-shipment terminal to be located a few kms apart from each other on India’s southern tip. The evaluation criteria for potential bidders set by the government in 2009 ignores the role played by shipping lines in contributing to the performance of a container terminal let alone a container trans-shipment terminal. India is making efforts to set up one more container trans-shipment terminal, closer to the east-west trade lane, with the cabinet approving a facility at Enayam in Tamil Nadu. Unlike gateway terminals, trans-shipment facilities are dependent on big container lines, a fact that has been acknowledged globally.

Source: Mint July 21, 2016 20:26 UTC