BMT Ltd opens an Indian subsidiary to participate in massive port and logistics expansion
BMT Ltd has made an ambitious inroad into the fast developing ports and logistics market in Asia with the formation of a consultancy serving India.
India's Ministry of Shipping estimates that US$ 15 billion is likely to be invested in ports in the country over the next six years, of which a substantial proportion is expected to come from the private sector. BMT has established a new subsidiary – BMT Consultants (India) Pvt Ltd – to offer its technical and project management capabilities in ports and logistics to this burgeoning market.
Suren Vakil has been appointed as Managing Director of the new subsidiary; he has 14 years experience of working in the UK and 10 years in India's ports and logistics sector and will lead a 10 strong team of consultants.
Suren said: "Despite an annual economic growth rate approaching nine per cent and the world's second largest population, India's modern port infrastructure is just developing, whilst traffic levels are growing at a rate four times that of the economy.
"BMT's expertise and technology will place the company in the perfect position to assist in the growth of India's port sector. The outlook is extremely buoyant with many new opportunities in the pipeline."
BMT has already undertaken a series of projects in India including due diligence studies for banks and investors, and a feasibility study for Kulpi Port. Current projects include advisory work for both Shell, at its planned port at Hazira, and the Adani Group, who are amongst the leading port developers in India. A feasibility study for a port in Gujarat and a traffic study for All Cargo are due to start shortly.
Peter French, Chief Executive of BMT, said: "I am very excited at the possibilities that are available to BMT through the expansion of the ports and logistics sector in Asia, and India in particular. Suren's experience of the sector and the Indian market make him the perfect candidate to lead BMT's presence in this field."
BMT has established offices in Singapore and Hong Kong as part of its BMT Asia Pacific subsidiary and recently opened an office in Shanghai. As a leading maritime, engineering and environmental consultancy, BMT is well placed to offer its knowledge and experience to the ports and logistics stakeholders of some of the world's fastest growing economies.