APM Terminals Pipavav (Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd) and NYK Auto Logistics (India) today announced the commencement of RORO operations at Pipavav Port. Ford Motors India Pvt Ltd dispatched the first lot of its new Ford FIGO built in its Sanand plant in Gujarat for exports.

The first RoRo vessel, m.v.Grand Dahlia, berthed at Pipavav on August 26 and loaded 1,300 vehicles. Officials from APM Terminals, NYK Auto Logistics and Ford Motors welcomed the vessel and marked the inauguration of RoRo operations with a simple ceremony held on board. The vessel departed this morning after successful completion of operations. APM Terminals Pipavav currently has three business verticals under its service portfolio which include container, bulk and liquid cargo. Automotive cargo will be the fourth business unit which will add to both the top line and bottom line and help the business grow in the long run.

Commenting on the new business, Managing Director of APM Terminals Pipavav, Keld Pedersen said, “As per our commitment to adding value to our existing service portfolio we are honored to have partnered with NYK Group for automotive cargo. The port is equipped with a stock yard for around 4,500 to 5000 cars along with a Pre Delivery Inspection (PDI) facility.” Pedersen added, “The facility is also equipped with a mobilization yard of 150 cars with a capacity to accommodate approximately 500 cars on the Quay.”

Hiroyuki Okamoto, Corporate Officer of NYK Automotive Transportation Headquarters said, “It’s a proud moment for us to begin export of cars from Pipavav Port. With Gujarat becoming the hub for automobile manufacturing, we hope to utilize our automobile yard facility at Pipavav Port with annual designed capacity of 250,000 vehicles at the earliest”.


Naotaka Ishizawa, Managing Director of NYK Auto Logistics (India) added, “ NYK is committed to Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi “Make in India” initiative and first export of Ford cars from the Sanand plant is in that direction. The RoRo facility at Pipavav Port has been developed with most modern facilities and well trained staffs. NYK Group along with Pipapav Port will offer best logistic support to make India an export hub for automobiles”.