Weekly Exclusive Report from Trivandrum Port, Kerala - Issue #07

24 February - 02 March 2025

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From Horse Carts to Global Logistics

Special Feature
How does a 154-year-old German family logistics business stay ahead? The appointment of Madhav Kurup to Hellmann's top table prompted MotherPort News to uncover a compelling story of family business, global trade, and the shifting balance of economic power.

It was an extraordinary sight—the mammoth Ever Globe, an Evergreen vessel, anchored off Trivandrum's outer harbour. Though protests for vessels and port development had been ongoing, none expected such a swift maritime development. The reason for this sudden move became apparent quickly: traditional crew-change destinations—Singapore, Colombo and Fujairah—had abruptly halted operations, particularly for foreign nationals.

During covid-19's peak, one could hardly fault countries for such decisions. India, contributing 9.35% of global seafarers, could ill afford to turn away its own. Thus, Trivandrum—capital city of Kerala, the southern state of India, the nearest port on the Europe-Far East route, emerged as an impromptu crew-change hub. Between 2020 and 2022, some 735 vessels utilised this new location, offering unprecedented insights into maritime operations.

This nautical tale unfolds against the backdrop of covid-19, which affected 700m people and claimed 70m lives. Whilst terrestrial lockdowns proliferated, maritime operations continued—unsurprisingly, given the relative isolation of seafaring. The stringent protocols adopted by crew members—from protective gear to health screenings—raised intriguing questions about their dedication.

Why persist with such challenging work? These mariners couldn't resist the call of the sea, even as their families sheltered at home. They couldn't decline their shipping companies' urgent summons—their erstwhile breadgivers. The necessity became clear when considering the Westerdam, a cruise vessel denied entry by Philippines, Guam and Japan over covid fears.

Maritime transport proved resilient when even aviation faltered. The reason? Humanity's essential supplies must keep moving—medicines, masks, vaccine ingredients and fuel. Without ships, civilisation would grind to a halt. The modern era has unified all cargo movement—ships, aircraft, trains and trucks—under the umbrella of "supply chain". The sector's significance grows more remarkable upon closer inspection. Consider this: whilst the human body comprises 24 elements, a mobile phone contains over 38, many rarer than their biological counterparts.
The complexity increases with smartphones, which utilise 75 of the periodic table's 118 elements—raw materials extracted and refined through truly global supply chains. As Raj Subramaniam, FedEx's president, observed: "Supply chain has become a boardroom conversation. We've evolved our mission to make supply chains smarter for everyone."

The 154 years of the Hellmann saga

In 2025, long before Raj Subramaniam's "supply chain" entered common parlance, a man was unhitching his horse by the River Hase in Osnabrück, Germany. This modest scene marked the beginning of 90 years of horse-drawn cargo transport. In 1871, Carl Heinrich Hellmann's (image on the left) family enterprise secured its first client: the Georgsmarienhutte steel mill. This humble horse-and-cart operation laid the foundation for what would become a logistics empire.
The business passed to sons Heinrich and Friedrich, marking the first generational transition. Though completely devastated during World War II, the firm staged a remarkable recovery by 1945, establishing branches in Hamburg and Bremen. In 1961, the company bid farewell to Lisa, their last carthorse, fully embracing the motor age. The fourth generation—Klaus and Jost Hellmann (image on the left), today's shareholders—took the helm in 1968, steering the company through modernisation and expansion.

A century and a half since its founding, the enterprise had transformed into Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, spreading its wings across the globe like the wild geese in its logo. Today, 12,237 people work as one family across 243 offices in 57 countries. The company explains its success through an elegant metaphor: "The V-shaped formation of the wild geese is for us a symbol of perfect cooperation. None of the animals could manage the journey alone. The migratory birds plan their flights down to the smallest detail, weigh risks together, and have excellent communication. Wild geese are loyal to each other for a lifetime and have a strong sense of responsibility." This ethos of loyalty has propelled the one-man operation to global prominence. The appointment of Madhav Kurup, of Indian origin, to Hellmann’s board of directors prompted MotherPort News to tell this story.

Breaking new ground

After completing education at SDPY School Pallurthy, Cochin College and MG College Trivandrum, Madhav's parents—Rajan Kurup and Vimala—hoped he would join the Civil Service. However, Madhav chose differently, beginning his logistics career as a trainee at Aspinwall and Company Limited's Visakhapatnam office. He swiftly progressed through Schlumberger and RHS Group before joining Hellmann's Dubai office.

Dubai, a contemporary hub of global trade, tested Madhav's management prowess. He acknowledges the unwavering support of his wife Shachi and daughter Aishwarya during his Dubai tenure. Hellmann describes his decade-plus leadership of the IMEA (India, Middle East, Africa) region thus: "Madhav Kurup, who has successfully led the region since joining Hellmann in 2008, was recently promoted to the Global Management Board as COO for Airfreight, Sea freight and contract logistics."

A New Chapter in Global Logistics

In Hellmann's 154-year history, Madhav's appointment marks the first non-German on the Global Board. This watershed moment likely reflects anticipated shifts in global supply chains. Current projections are remarkably bullish: whilst developed nations' GDP growth hovers at 2-3%, the freight transport sector is poised for dramatic expansion.

The global freight transport market, valued at US$36.32bn in 2024, is expected to surge from US$40.46bn in 2025 to US$95.96bn by 2033, achieving an 11.4% CAGR. With the market set to double in such a compressed timeframe, Hellmann Group evidently recognised the need for fresh perspectives to maintain pace with global cargo movements.

The numbers are particularly compelling in maritime and aviation sectors. The global cargo shipping market, valued at US$2.2tr in 2021, is projected to reach US$4.2tr by 2031, growing at 7% CAGR. Against these metrics, Hellmann's current operations—handling 20m shipments worth €3.5bn—suggest significant growth potential.

According to McKinsey Global Institute, India and emerging Asia will account for 30% of global consumption at Purchasing Power Parity by 2050, up from 12% in 1997. Conversely, advanced Asia, North America and Western Europe's combined share is expected to decline to 30% from 60% in 1977.

Hellmann's board likely recognised the need for someone like Madhav, who understands this global shift intimately. The company's recognition as Germany's "Best Managed Company" considered criteria including "a forward-looking strategy, high productivity and ability to transform".

As Hellmann Group had previously declared, adaptability is more than just a capability—it's a philosophy: "Therefore the wild goose is more than a logo for us, it symbolises our philosophy as a family business and forms the basis for our success."

TRV needs Bunkering!

The MSC Mediterranean, currently berthed at Trivandrum Port (25.2.25), has marked a week's stay. The vessel that arrived on the 19th lingered in outer anchorage for two days before diverting to Colombo for bunkering amidst port congestion—a clear signal that Trivandrum Port must establish bunkering facilities without delay.

This isn't an isolated incident. Several vessels previously calling at Trivandrum solely for bunkering have been forced to divert to neighbouring ports. To eliminate these unnecessary voyages and reduce emissions, establishing bunkering facilities at Trivandrum Port has become imperative.

Whilst construction of a fuel farm has commenced near the port premises, its completion timeline remains distant. In the interim, the Adani Group should implement ship-to-ship bunkering arrangements. Following the model employed at Kandla and Sikka ports, where fuel is transported via barges, similar services at Trivandrum would benefit not only calling vessels but also those transiting through these waters.

Big scope for Trivandrum shipyard!

The need for India to rapidly enter the large-scale shipbuilding sector is becoming increasingly urgent. It is America's latest decisions, the world's largest consumer market, that prompt such thinking.

As part of measures against China, the new American administration has introduced a requirement that all cargo vessels built in China must pay an additional fee of $1.5m each time they dock at any American port. The aim of this American measure is to curb China's surge and dominance in shipbuilding. Simultaneously, it seeks to revitalise America's own shipbuilding industry.
Consider some figures that provoke American concern. In February alone, 301 Chinese-built vessels docked at American ports. In 2022, New York port alone received 660 Chinese-manufactured container ships. While China produces vessels in the 24,000 TEU range, America's record production was 3,600 TEU ships launched in 2010. Reducing this stark disparity in shipbuilding capability underpins the current American move.

However, high construction costs and wages remain obstacles to restarting shipbuilding in America. Here, America will forge stronger agreements with Pacific allies Japan and South Korea in the coming days. This American policy shift will compel global shipping companies to reconsider their approach and rely on shipyards outside China. This is precisely why India must swiftly make decisions regarding new projects such as the Trivandrum Shipyard.

Port Utility Building Nears Completion

As part of Trivandrum Port's official commissioning, auxiliary facilities are being expedited. The Port Utility Building, located outside the port entrance, is nearing completion. It will primarily house the Customs office, whilst decisions regarding other occupants remain pending. Similarly, construction of the connectivity road linking the port to NH 66 is progressing. The port's objective is to commence EXIM operations with utmost urgency.

MSC Jade and Dragon service at Trivandrum Port

Trivandrum Port is preparing to receive its first vessel under MSC's Jade service, which connects Europe and Asia. The MSC Mia, measuring 400 metres in length with a capacity of 23,756 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units), is currently en route.
The Jade service deploys some of the world's largest container vessels, with capacities ranging from 19,462 to 24,346 TEU. The fleet includes MSC Irina (24,346 TEU), Celestino Maresca (24,116 TEU), Raya (24,100 TEU), Ambra (24,034 TEU), Amelia, Allegra and Apolline (all 23,964 TEU), Michelle (23,936 TEU), Mia, Leni and Gulsun (all 23,756 TEU), Arina (23,656 TEU), Nela (23,000 TEU), Febe (22,000 TEU) and Mirjam (19,462 TEU).

In addition to the Jade service, Trivandrum Port will host MSC's Dragon service, which connects Asia and the Mediterranean. While vessels in both directions will call at the port for Asia-Europe trade, Dragon service ships will make stopovers during their eastward journey.

The Dragon service deploys vessels ranging from 14,036 to 19,462 TEU. The fleet includes MSC Ingy (19,462 TEU), Ditte and Reef (both 19,437 TEU), Istanbul (16,652 TEU), Azra (15,934 TEU), Napoli (15,576 TEU) and Savona (14,036 TEU).

Trivandrum Port Planned Arrivals

03.Mar.25 to 09.Mar.25 - 24 vessels

TRV Connect - New routes

MSC Mediterranean Mtwara, Tanzania to TRV, 13 days (7 nm speed)
MSC Deila TRV to Abu Qir, Egypt, 9days
Maersk Cuanza: Cotonou, Benin, West Africa to TRV 17 days