Arabian Gulf roars while India plays catch-up in containerisation: OSC

INDIA is rousing itself from slumber while Arab states are roaring ahead in full intermodal container development, according to the UK-based Ocean Shipping Consultants.

In the firm's "Containerport Markets in the Middle East & South Asia to 2020" report, OSC analysts said demand growth in the Middle East and South Asia has accelerated in recent years.

"Strong oil prices have boosted trade in the Middle East, whilst deregulation and investment has generated economic growth in South Asia," said a synopsis of the report.

"Whilst demand is strong in India, the capabilities of its ports and terminals remain limited, and connectivity with hinterland markets is under pressure. Investment will be needed, and coping with congestion will require a transformation productivity," the synopsis said.

"In the Gulf, by contrast, investment in new container facilities is running at very high levels, with oil wealth being directed into intense infrastructure programmes. Here, the danger may be of overcapacity. The development of new terminals must be correctly phased to match actual demand," said the report.

The study analyses both import/export and transshipment markets. It provides forecasts of regional container terminal demand to 2020, based on expected economic expansion and the anticipated growth of transshipment. An "increased-risk" scenario is included to reflect the possibility of protectionist measures and other shocks to trade.

The overall outlook is for strong long-term demand growth, based on regional economic expansion and increasing transshipment, the report said.