When it comes to efficiency, consistency, and inland connectivity, Europe’s top ports, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Antwerp, continue to lead. Their success lies not just in cranes and capacity, but in digitally integrated port communities, offering real-time visibility, strong rail and barge access, well-established standards, and strong intermodal solutions to the final shipper or consignee.
“In terms of automation and turnaround, Indian ports still have some catching up to do,” says Martijn, Director International Freight Forwarding at Broekman Logistics. “But the pace of progress, particularly under public-private partnerships (PPP), is impressive — India is heading in the right direction.”
Globally, while China excels with state-planned mega-ports like Shanghai and Shenzhen, and Singapore remains dominant in transhipment, both are seeing increasing cost and capacity pressures. And even looking further afield, US ports, particularly on the West Coast, often face challenges ranging from labour disputes to ageing infrastructure and congestion. These shifts open the door for India’s emerging deep-draft ports — such as Mundra, JNPT, Vizhinjam, and Vallarpadam — to step forward as reliable, scalable alternatives.
“India is learning fast,” Martijn adds. “The foundation is there. What is critical now is consistency — in performance, in governance, and in day-to-day operational logistics.”
