In an exclusive interview with IBJ, Captain Anant Bahl, General Manager of Asian Bulk Logistics (ABL), outlines the company's ambitious plans for growth and diversification in 2024 and beyond. ABL is expanding its business model to include investments in logistics, rail, and ports, targeting global markets like Europe, Africa, and Australia. This expansion includes acquiring One Rail Australia (ORA), a major rail freight service provider, enhancing ABL's capabilities in ground-based logistics and boosting its cargo handling capacity.

ABL is diversifying the commodities it handles, such as bauxite, iron ore, manganese ore, and ammonia, and is exploring M&A opportunities in non-coal sectors to strengthen its international presence. The expansion strategy involves entering new markets and increasing operations in regions like Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Gabon, while maintaining a strong focus on its core business in Indonesia.

Facing challenges such as climate change, rising fuel prices, and technological integration needs, ABL emphasizes strategic planning, ESG practices, and regulatory compliance. The company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, using renewable energy sources, and improving water and energy efficiency. ABL's ESG initiatives also focus on social responsibility, ensuring fair treatment of employees and stakeholders, and supporting local communities.

Looking ahead, ABL plans to continue its growth through organic and inorganic means, including exploring opportunities in the gas and chemical tanker segments and expanding port operations. The company's vision is to become a world-class integrated logistics and infrastructure solutions provider, offering value to global customers while maintaining high safety and ethical standards. Captain Anant Bahl emphasizes that 2024 will be a pivotal year for ABL, with ongoing growth and diversification across various sectors and regions.