Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata has introduced the Bengal Middle East Express, a new container shipping service connecting the Haldia Dock Complex with Jebel Ali Port in the UAE. This new route is designed to enhance transit speed and cost-effectiveness for regional traders by avoiding the traditional transshipment ports.
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The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMP, Kolkata) announced the launch of a new container vessel service, the Bengal Middle East Express (BMEx). This strategic initiative is set to connect the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) with Jebel Ali Port in the UAE, marking a significant enhancement in trade routes for the region. The BMEx service will operate on the Haldia-Chittagong-Jebel Ali-Haldia route, directly linking Bengal and the industrial hubs of eastern India with one of the key ports in the Middle East.
The introduction of the BMEx route is a major step toward reducing transit times and costs for exporters and importers in the region. Traditionally, shipments have relied on transshipment ports, which often lead to longer transit times and higher costs due to congestion and operational delays. By bypassing these traditional ports, the BMEx route offers a more efficient and direct shipping option, enhancing the supply chain’s reliability and competitiveness. This service will provide businesses with better access to global markets, enabling them to meet customer demands more effectively.
The BMEx service is the result of a partnership between Ocean Salute Line of Singapore and MBK Logistix. It is expected to significantly improve global connectivity for SMP, Kolkata, and its stakeholders. The inaugural vessel, Yong Yue 11, is scheduled to arrive at the Haldia Dock Complex on September 6, marking the official commencement of this new service. This first arrival will set the stage for what is expected to be a robust and regular shipping schedule.
Rathendra Raman, Chairman of SMP, Kolkata, expressed his optimism about the new venture, stating, “We are proud to introduce the Bengal Middle East Express service, which not only establishes a direct connection between Haldia and Jebel Ali but also opens new avenues for trade and economic growth in the region.” He emphasized the strategic importance of this service in bolstering trade ties and supporting the economic development of the region.
To further support the BMEx initiative, SMP, Kolkata has announced substantial discounts on vessel-related charges for container vessels calling directly from Southeast Asia, the Far East, and Middle East ports. This incentive is part of the port’s broader strategy to enhance its competitiveness on the global stage and reinforce its commitment to supporting the region’s export-import (EXIM) trade. By launching the BMEx service, SMP, Kolkata reaffirms its role as a key player in facilitating trade and economic growth, both regionally and globally.
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