Maersk completed its first import shipment to Sambalpur from the Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Jharsuguda (Odisha).
The shipment carrying 80 TEUs was delivered to Shyam Metalics. Whilst a few of the top customers in the region have already moved containers on the import side - with more in the pipeline, this delivery is testament to Maersk’s efforts to unlock new trade opportunities in Odisha by leveraging the operational commencement of the ICD situated in Jharsuguda.
All major metal customers have shown interest in the import leg as well since there is a clear value to it. Prompted by the need to bring the container inventory closer to the customer needs, the ICD aims to reduce the complexities in the supply chain, enabling small and medium-sized businesses to multiply the benefits of trade. This will further encourage inclusive growth and prosperity across the region. Strategically located in Odisha’s prime industrial belt, the ICD can deliver empty containers to the customers in a matter of hours, helping them reduce transportation costs by almost 15-20%.
With a plan to run a weekly export train providing a doorstep pickup and delivery, the company has projections of handling in excess of 4,000 TEUs on an annual basis. Coupled with the availability of Receipt for Shipment (RFS) facility, ICD Jharsuguda will further help slash the transit time of shipments from 10 days to 5 days, thus helping customers address their logistical challenges across the supply chain. The company is witnessing demand from metal customers and plans to further expand its services to other verticals moving forward.