NMPA launches port’s first direct mainline service

The chairman of New Mangalore Port Authority has recently launched the port’s first direct mainline service, post mechanisation of container operations, by flagging off the container vessel named, MV Hong AN. The vessel will ply between Chittagong-Colombo-Mangaluru-Nhava Sheva-Mundra, and the eastbound leg to Jebel Ali-Khalifa Port. Introducing this new vessel will give a major boost to exports from Karnataka, particularly agri products. The commencement of vessel services was primarily the result of various productivity measures used to save berth time for new services through the initiation of a fixed window berthing policy and the extension of additional inducements in the form of commercial rebates on vessel-related costs.