New Delhi: Container Corporation of India Ltd (Concor) is set to begin coastal shipping as part of its multi-modal logistics strategy, aiming to offer a cost-effective, fast, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

Earlier, Concor and Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore business opportunities by leveraging each other’s infrastructure and experience. The partnership will enable SCI’s shipping services to expand Concor’s reach in overseas markets and enter coastal and inland waterways trade, providing comprehensive logistics solutions for the broader trade sector.

The identified commodities for coastal routes include waste paper, ceramic tiles, sanitary ware, soda, cotton bales, and consumer durables. Concor has been focusing on providing first- and last-mile connectivity to its customers, with coastal shipping expected to play a key role in this effort. Additionally, the company has launched a logistics app to enhance first- and last-mile services.

Sanjay Swarup, CMD of Concor, noted that coastal shipping is an eco-friendly mode of transport. Concor initially launched coastal shipping services in January 2019, with routes from Gujarat to the South, but the service was halted in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He highlighted the success of their first- and last-mile (FMLM) services, stating, "In the first quarter (Q1FY25), our FMLM services generated an income of Rs 82 crores, reflecting a 35% year-on-year growth." Swarup expressed confidence that with the nationwide launch of the app and continued customer education, they would achieve a 50% increase in FMLM services. /BI