Koper port in talks with Indian shipping lines for direct connectivity

"We are talking to several shipping lines for establishing a direct shipping connection with our port. Shipping Corporation of India is one among them," Port of Koper's Board of Management's Vice-President, Toma Martin Jamnik, told PTI here.

The port management would be happy if the SCI considers its request, Jamnik said, adding "it is their call now." Port of Koper is Slovenia's only port and serves as the gateway to reach central and south-eastern European markets.

Jamnik was part of a Slovenian delegation that visited India at the invitation of apex industry body, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), to explore further trade opportunities between the two countries.

A direct connection with the Koper Port would not only reduce shipping time to Europe from India but also enhance trade, he said.

"We are an European port and not simply a Slovenian one with some 2,000 nautical miles lesser in distance from India compared to the Rotterdam Port. Moreover, we are also some 400-800 kilometres close to the European market as well," Jamnik said.

Shipping Corporation of India Chairman, S C Hajara, confirmed having received a request from the Port of Koper.

"They have given a request. It is a part of several such requests that we receive. We will study the market before taking any decision," Hajara said.

The port is eyeing the high-volume India trade with Europe, which is currently being handled by other ports, mainly Rotterdam, he said, adding the strategic location of the port offers a big advantage.

With 25 berths, the Koper port has 11 specialised terminals, including passenger, fruit, timber, container, livestock and car. The V and X pan-European transport corridors, which pass through Slovenia, are also linked with the Koper port.