Three decades ago, when I started my career in shipping, Mumbai was one of my first ports of call as a seafaring cadet. I vividly remember my first visit to the city, the ports and the impressions I took with me early in my career.

Having just spent a week in Mumbai and New Delhi discussing APM Terminals’ future plans for investments in the country as well as talking to stakeholders, ministers and industry partners about our shared vision for India, it naturally makes me reflect on how the country is now a powerhouse for global trade and how much opportunity we can unlock if we jointly invest in logistics and infrastructure to meet the needs of the future growth.

Adding to that, we also had a chance to celebrate our commitment to this work at our naming event in our terminal Gateway Terminals India (GTI), which hosted the first ever naming event for a vessel in India, the name giving of the dual-fuel vessel Albert Maersk.

The event underlined that India plays an instrumental role for us in APM Terminals and as part of A. P. Moller – Maersk. India is our largest global hub, with about 20,000 colleagues: from seafarers and terminal operators to tech experts and many more. India brings talent and resources and, most of all, great people to all levels of our organisation.

Long-term investment in terminals is critical to grow the economy – not only in physical assets that drive global trade but also in developing the talent that will run these assets whilst supporting communities – is key to ensuring that we can do all the good things we want to do. As part of that, we see an investment opportunity pipeline in the Group of about USD 5 billion in ports and terminals and in landside infrastructure development connected to a long-term partnership with the country.

Meeting with Modi

These were some of the topics discussed when I met with Prime Minister Modi in Delhi before the ceremony in Mumbai. This time I was joined by A.P. Moller-Maersk Chair Robert Mærsk Uggla. Together, we continued the discussions we have been having regarding our shared visions for the country in line with Maritime Amritkaal Vision 2047 and the Indian government’s policy priorities, including Make in India, Sagarmala and Gatishakti.

As a group, we believe we can play a role in reducing the total cost of logistics, which is too high – into, out of and throughout India – by ensuring that our customers can access all their supply chain needs in one place. A robust supply chain depends on reliable access to all modes of transportation, including world class port handling, warehousing and distribution. And that’s what we do best.

A bright tomorrow

Our Indian terminal operations in Pipavav and Mumbai handle over 3 million containers annually and serve as crucial gateways for India’s international trade. But we know that port operation is more than that. Operating a successful port creates countless direct and indirect jobs, while also supporting the development of local businesses in local communities. And it goes without saying that improving worldwide connectivity is vital to advancing the nation’s ‘Make in India’ vision.

I have visited India countless times since my first visit as a young cadet. It is inspiring to see the improvements and to be able to play an active part in the development of global trade and infrastructure in this incredible country. After this busy week, I have arrived home with renewed professional aspirations and more memories added to our joint history.