SMPK inaugurates direct container services from Shanghai, China.
Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), has announced the commencement of a direct container vessel service from Shanghai, China. This initiative marks a significant enhancement in trade connectivity, bypassing traditional transit hubs like Singapore.
The inaugural service was launched with the successful berthing of the vessel SITC Nagoya at the Haldia International Container Terminal on June 6, arriving directly from Shanghai. A second vessel, SITC Tianjin, is expected to dock at the Haldia Dock Complex around June 12, according to Rathendra Raman, the port chairman.
In addition to the Shanghai service, SMPK has introduced a direct weekly express service connecting Port Klang in Malaysia and Yangon Port in Myanmar. This new route is set to streamline cargo movement between these critical trade ports.
Rathendra Raman highlighted the port’s strategy to enhance efficiency and reduce logistics costs through direct services. “The cost of shipment will be cheaper by about 35 per cent for cargo from Far East countries to SMP Kolkata, compared to the traditional route, encouraging regular trade between India, Malaysia, Myanmar, China, and Japan,” Raman stated.
Operated by J M Baxi Ports and Logistics, the port rotation for this service includes Port Klang-Haldia Dock Complex-Yangon Port-Port Klang/Shanghai. This seamless connection is poised to benefit shippers in West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, the North East, Nepal, and Bhutan.
