Straits Orient Lines (SOL) has achieved a significant milestone in container lighterage operations on the Hooghly River by becoming the first container operator to commercially utilise the Floating Crane facility at Diamond Harbour, Kolkata.
The operation was successfully carried out by MV SOL PURPOSE in collaboration with Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK) and Shreeji Shipping Service (I) Ltd. The floating crane operation enabled the vessel to achieve the required draft for its onward passage to Kolkata.
The development marks an important step in strengthening container movement and lighterage operations along the Hooghly River, particularly in addressing draft-related operational challenges for vessels calling at Kolkata.
SOL said the milestone reflects its continued focus on innovation, collaboration, operational excellence and customer-centric solutions, while supporting reliable container connectivity in the region.
The company also expressed appreciation to SMPK, Shreeji Shipping Service and all teams involved in successfully executing the operation.
The achievement has been featured in Daily Shipping Times, highlighting the growing importance of practical and innovative solutions to facilitate container movement through the Kolkata port region.
For SOL and the wider Transworld Group Singapore team, the successful operation represents another step forward in overcoming operational challenges and delivering efficient solutions for customers.