29/06/2026
We are pleased to share that Mr. Sumant Ahlawat, CEO, Apeejay Shipping, participated as a distinguished panelist at the Andaman Ideas Summit 2026, presented by The Wave Andaman.
Anchored in the theme “Towards a Viksit Bharat: Harnessing the Blue Economy”, the summit convened eminent leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to deliberate on India’s maritime vision and strategic growth priorities.
The event was graced by Shri Kiren Rijiju, Hon’ble Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, who delivered the keynote address. Insights were also shared by Admiral (Retd.) Devendra Kumar Joshi, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, on the region’s evolving development trajectory and governance landscape.
Mr. Ahlawat emphasizes that improving maritime connectivity and expanding cargo competition are foundational to the economic development of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He highlights that large-scale infrastructure projects across the archipelago, such as proposed developments in Great Nicobar, depend entirely on efficient cargo movement. Because air transport cannot support the scale required to execute these mega projects.
Currently, island cargo movement is heavily constrained by limited vessel availability, with most active ships restricted to small capacities of 3,000 to 4,000 tonnes. Ahlawat notes that a historical lack of market competition effectively created a duopoly, keeping freight rates artificially high. However, the recent entry of new shipping operators has already introduced healthy competition, driving down local freight costs by an estimated 30% to 40%.
While he commends the local administration for maintaining a transparent and supportive environment for new businesses, Ahlawat acknowledges that newcomers still face pushback from established, entrenched operators. He argues that resisting new players ultimately hurts the island community by capping cargo capacity and lowering service standards. Ultimately, Ahlawat conveys that fostering a competitive shipping market is the most viable path to lowering everyday consumer costs and securing long-term economic prosperity for the islands.
