Inaugurating the new facility, Mr A. K. Das, Commissioner of Customs, Imports, said, "Nhava Sheva is an important gateway for the entire western region and also an international hub—strategically located to manage cargo from this region. The facility will immensely benefit the trade community who can now use the facility to transport cargo in parts for distribution or consumption".

The bonded warehouse covers 1,560 sq. m and has a height of 6.5 m. This will enable the use of nestainers for stacking cargo at heights and utilise volumes instead of the area at the warehouse.

On the occasion, Mr Subhasis Ghosh, Cluster Director, South Asia Area, emphasised the need for a bonded warehouse to cater to the import distribution concept which is being successfully used in developed countries.

The bonded warehouse is a result of the changing customer requirements from traditional FCL and LCLs handling and delivery of import cargo/containers, he said.

Maersk CFS has been a market leader and pioneer in bringing in the concept of a private CFS facility in the region. It began its operations in May 1994 with a small 2.5-hectare facility. After two contiguous expansions, the main CFS today covers a total area of 6.8 hectares. The continuous growth in CFS business in the region forced Maersk India to add a state-of-the-art facility, CFS Annex, with a plot area of 5.6 hectares.

Those present on the occasion included members from Customs, trade and the media.

The function ended with a vote of thanks by Mr R. R. Pandit, General Manager, CFS Division.

SOURCE