17 March - 23 March 2025

📥 Download this newsletter here!📥

Underground Railway DPR Gets Green Light

Cabinet Meeting Decisions 19/03/2025

The Kerala cabinet has approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared by Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) for constructing an underground railway line connecting the Vizhinjam International Seaport (TRV) to Balaramapuram Railway Station. The project, carrying a price tag of ₹1,482.92 crore (US$174m), has received administrative sanction. The ambitious scheme aims to make the rail link operational before December 2028.

The Trump Tariff Effect

American President Donald Trump's steadfast position could open new vistas for Trivandrum Port enthusiasts. The impending Reciprocal Tariffs, effective from 2nd April, herald potentially sweeping changes in India's established trade patterns and supply chains.

India's apple import season spans April to December. In FY25, the country imported apples worth $300.75m, predominantly from Turkey and New Zealand, with Turkish imports alone accounting for $65.29m. The Indian government is contemplating redirecting a significant portion of this $300m trade towards America, partly to address American concerns about India's $35.33bn trade surplus.

Similar reassessments are underway for other commodities. "There are certain high-tenacity and speciality fibres which India doesn't produce and are imported from China. These can be sourced from the US," reports a textile industry representative.

Our newfound attention to such previously overlooked matters stems from our proximity to India's first mother port. While penetrating these decades-old trade networks presents challenges, informing the export-import community about our port's capability to handle highly perishable goods like apples could prove pivotal. Once the EXIM community recognises our port's unique advantage—the shortest direct route from America's eastern ports, eliminating feeder service requirements—they'll likely take notice. We can expedite cargo delivery, at minimum to South Indian traders. By communicating these advantages to American apple exporters and Indian importers, we could unlock substantial business opportunities. Those with relevant leads may contact [email protected].

An Exclusive offer for our subscribers

As we reach our tenth edition, the MotherPort news team plans to enhance subscriber benefits. Elias John, the long time associate of the Motherport will share his insights about potential MotherPort-related business opportunities through a monthly live online session. Timing details forthcoming.

Countdown: 114 Days Remaining

The Kerala government's latest assurance promises EXIM cargo facilities at Trivandrum Port within four months, as announced by the Port Minister in the Kerala Assembly on 18th March. Public discontent grows—construction began on 5th December 2015, nearly a decade ago, and despite receiving its first vessel almost a year ago, gateway cargo operations remain pending. We're initiating a countdown: six days have elapsed since 18th March, leaving 114 days until the promised opening.

Giants Approaching from North and East

Following MSC Amelia (23,964 TEU), three sister ships approach. From the north comes Dragon service's MSC Viviana (19,368 TEU), whilst from the east arrives Jade service's fourth vessel, MSC Michelle (23,964 TEU), currently en route from China's Yantian to Singapore. Following closely is Africa Express's MSC Diletta (23,964 TEU), sailing from China's Chiwan to Vietnam's Vung Tau. Both vessels will transit via Singapore before reaching Trivandrum Port, with Viviana expected on the 26th, Michelle on the 28th and Diletta on the 29th. Notably, this marks the first instance of three major vessels from MSC's principal services—Jade, Dragon and Africa Express—calling at Trivandrum Port within a week.

Vessel Draft Considerations at Trivandrum Port

When MSC Amelia departed Trivandrum Port, her draft measured 16.6 metres, compared with 14.6 metres upon arrival from Singapore. This indicates that the vessel, with a deadweight of 228,406 tonnes, sank two metres deeper during her call at TRV. Theoretically, Trivandrum's berth-side draft should allow for even greater container loading, though this is not always practicable.

A captain once explained to Motherport News:

"Colombo we only top up. Cannot exceed 15 metres draft due to Halifax maximum allowable draft."

This succinctly illustrates a fundamental shipping principle: loading capacity is not determined solely by the depth at a single port. Sufficient depth must exist not only alongside the berth but throughout the shipping channel. More critically, the destination port's depth restrictions ultimately govern loading decisions at the originating port.

This explains the captain's Colombo experience. While additional cargo could technically have been loaded there, the vessel's ultimate destination—Halifax port in Canada—imposes a maximum draft limit of 15 metres. The implication is clear: in cargo transfers, the facilities and limitations of other ports in the logistics chain prove equally decisive.

Become a MotherPort Member!

Looking for ways to support MotherPort News? For those who value our work, we invite you to become a member by choosing a tier:

1. Guardian (Yearly @ ₹1000)
2. Resident (6 months @ ₹500)
3. Visitor (3 months @ ₹250), or support single issues at ₹20.

Benefits include:

1. Direct Delivery: Issues sent instantly to your WhatsApp or email
2. Exclusive Access: Join members-only community and early content releases
3. Priority Opportunities: First notice of business inquiries we receive

Join by filling this form.

Payment UPI ID: yespay.smessi10671@yesbankltd

Advertise with MotherPort News!

Imagine your business capturing attention in this exact space. Connect with our engaged readers who trust MotherPort News.

Premium visibility at accessible rates:
₹1500 per issue, ₹5000 monthly (4 issues), or
Best value at ₹50,000 yearly (50 issues)!

Turn our loyal readers into your next customers.

Reserve your spotlight today: [email protected]