Pharmaceutical exporters to benefit from Maersk’s first dedicated reefer rail service from Hyderabad to Mumbai

Maersk has officially launched a dedicated weekly reefer rail service connecting the pharmaceutical hub of Hyderabad to the Nhava Sheva Port, marking a significant advancement in Indian cold-chain logistics. This strategic corridor aims to provide pharmaceutical exporters with predictable, time-bound transit to the JNPT facility, facilitating seamless global trade. By shifting cargo from road to rail, the initiative is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3,000 tonnes annually, aligning with broader maritime sustainability goals for the Indian shipping sector.

The operational integrity of these refrigerated containers remains subject to strict compliance under the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code and SOLAS Chapter VI, which governs the carriage of cargoes. For shipping lines and port operators, maintaining the cold chain is essential to meet the requirements of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annex VI regarding energy efficiency. Compliance departments must ensure that all reefer units are monitored in accordance with classification society standards to prevent cargo spoilage and ensure safety during intermodal transfers at Nhava Sheva.

Navigating officers and chief engineers must prepare for an increased volume of temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical cargo arriving at Nhava Sheva. These professionals need to verify that reefer monitoring systems are fully operational and that power supply protocols are strictly followed upon container loading. Ensuring accurate documentation of temperature logs and power connection times is critical for maintaining compliance and preventing potential insurance claims during the transit of high-value medical shipments through the port terminal.