Ban on ZPMC cranes to affect Indian ports

The government decision to deny security clearance to the world´s biggest port crane maker, China´s state-owned Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co (ZPMC), to supply cargo handling equipment to Major Ports will have serious implications for the country´s port industry, according to industry executives. The decision has upset investment plans of private firms such as Dubai´s DP World, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) and ABG Container Handling that are building new container loading facilities at Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Kamarajar Port and VO Chidambaranar Port, respectively. All the three firms have separately ordered cranes from ZPMC worth a combined $115 million. It could also delay the construction schedule of these new facilities.