Adani Ports & Motherson JV Unveil Landmark EV-Ready Auto Export Hub at Dighi Port!

Strategic Partnership Announced

Samvardhana Motherson Hamakyorex Engineered Logistics Limited (SAMRX), a joint venture associated with Motherson, has signed a significant strategic agreement with Dighi Port Limited (DPL).

DPL is a key subsidiary operating under the umbrella of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ).

This collaboration is specifically focused on establishing a dedicated facility designed exclusively for automobile export operations.

A World-Class Auto Export Terminal

The new facility at Dighi Port will be developed as a state-of-the-art Roll-on and Roll-off (RoRo) terminal.

It is engineered to manage the entire spectrum of Finished Vehicle (FV) logistics efficiently from start to finish.

SAMRX will make substantial investments in this terminal to offer comprehensive logistics solutions.

These advanced services include providing 360-degree cargo visibility and a range of value-added services.

Key offerings encompass meticulous yard management, Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI), integrated charging facilities, secure vehicle storage, and smooth vessel loading processes.

The terminal will employ AI-driven yard optimization technology to minimize vehicle waiting times, often referred to as dwell time.

It will also ensure real-time vehicle traceability, aiming for the fastest possible evacuation route from Maharashtra's automotive manufacturing hub via the NH-66.

Significantly, the facility is being designed with future needs in mind as an EV-ready logistics hub, prepared to handle the growing export of electric vehicles.

Boosting India's "Make in India" Vision

This strategic initiative directly reinforces India's national "Make in India" program.

The primary objective is to substantially enhance the seamless export and import of vehicles manufactured in India for international markets.

It aims to solidify India's position as a formidable player in the global automotive trade landscape.

Dighi Port's Strategic Advantage

Dighi Port was chosen for this crucial expansion due to its advantageous location on India's west coast.

This prime position makes it a vital gateway for Maharashtra's extensive industrial heartland.

As one of the 15 strategic ports managed by APSEZ, Dighi Port already handles a diverse range of cargo types.

It benefits from direct berthing facilities and excellent road connectivity, including access to the NH-66 highway.

APSEZ's Integrated Logistics Vision

The development into dedicated RoRo operations marks a significant milestone in APSEZ's broader strategic vision.

APSEZ aims to develop integrated, future-ready logistics hubs across its extensive network.

This expansion underscores APSEZ's commitment to delivering world-class port infrastructure.

It will further enhance trade connectivity and provide crucial support for the sustained growth of India's automotive sector on a global scale.

Impact

• This partnership is poised to significantly boost automotive exports originating from India, particularly from Maharashtra's established manufacturing corridor.
• It is expected to enhance the overall efficiency and reduce logistical costs associated with vehicle transportation.
• The development of Dighi Port into a specialized automotive export hub is likely to attract further investment into the region's logistics and automotive industries.
• APSEZ's port network will likely see increased utilization and a further diversification of cargo handled.
• The strategic focus on EV readiness ensures that India's logistics infrastructure is well-prepared for the future trajectory of automotive manufacturing.
• Impact Rating: 8/10

Difficult Terms Explained

• Joint Venture: A business arrangement where two or more companies pool their resources and expertise to undertake a specific project or business activity.
• RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off): A type of vessel specifically designed to carry wheeled cargo, such as cars, trucks, and trailers, which are driven directly on and off the ship.
• OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers): Companies that manufacture finished goods, like automobiles, using components often sourced from other specialized suppliers.
• Finished Vehicle (FV) logistics: The comprehensive process involved in transporting completed vehicles from the manufacturing plant to their final destination, whether a dealership, customer, or export port.
• 360-degree cargo visibility: A system that provides complete tracking and real-time information about cargo throughout its entire journey from origin to final destination.
• Single-window operations: A streamlined system where customers can access multiple services or complete various transactions through a single point of contact or integrated platform.
• Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI): A mandatory set of checks and minor maintenance procedures performed on a new vehicle before it is handed over to the customer.
• AI-driven yard optimisation: The application of Artificial Intelligence to efficiently manage and organize vehicles within a port's storage area or yard, aiming for optimal space utilization and quick retrieval.
• Dwell time: The duration for which cargo or vehicles remain stationary at a port or terminal before being dispatched or loaded onto the next mode of transport.
• EV-ready: Infrastructure and facilities that are prepared and equipped to handle electric vehicles, which may include specialized charging stations and handling procedures.
• NH-66: National Highway 66, a major arterial road in India that connects several key states along the western coast, including Maharashtra.
• Integrated logistics hubs: Centralized facilities that consolidate various logistics services such as warehousing, freight forwarding, transportation, and cargo handling into a single, efficient operational unit.