Adani Ports and Marseille Fos back India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor 

Adani Ports and Marseille Fos have formalised cooperation to anchor the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) in Europe. For cargo owners, carriers and terminal operators, the pact signals closer digital and operational alignment along a proposed 6,000 km trade spine.

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone has signed a memorandum of understanding with Port of Marseille Fos to deepen cooperation on trade facilitation, port innovation and energy transition, linking India’s west coast gateways with France’s leading Mediterranean port.

The agreement was signed during the visit of Emmanuel Macron and includes a proposal to create an India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor Ports Club to strengthen collaboration among ports along the IMEC route.

Launched at the 2023 G20 Summit in New Delhi, IMEC is a multimodal connectivity initiative connecting India and Europe through maritime routes, rail links, digital systems and clean energy pathways.

For shipowners and managers trading between India and Europe, the partnership points to greater alignment in digitalisation and green corridor development. The companies said the focus will include smart port platforms, data interoperability, cybersecurity, alternative fuels, shore power supply and low carbon bunkering. A Mundra–Marseille Fos Green Maritime Corridor is also planned.

Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director and CEO of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, said: “India has already taken a leadership role in advancing this corridor, and with the conclusion of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement, trade between the participating countries is expected to grow manifold.”

He added that Hazira and Mundra ports have established a “seamless” pathway across the first and middle legs of the corridor and said: “This partnership will significantly accelerate the exchange of information and materials among all participating nations, further strengthening economic cooperation and supply-chain resilience.”

Hervé Martel, CEO of the Port of Marseille Fos, said: “India and Marseille stand at the two extremities of this future trade backbone, giving both ports a major responsibility in structuring and energizing this new route.”

For operators assessing long term routing, fleet deployment and digital integration strategies, the pact strengthens the institutional backing behind IMEC as a structured India to Europe trade corridor.

source : thedigitalship