German liner shipping company Hapag-Lloyd has launched two new services in India as it expects the country’s container market to grow further.
Starting in October this year, the company will introduce the South East India – Europe Express (IEX) and the Middle East-India-Africa Express (MIAX).
According to Hapag-Lloyd, IEX will provide the only direct connection between South and East India and Europe in the market.
The weekly service, jointly operated with ONE, YML and COSCO, will be made up of nine 6,500 TEU vessels, with Hapag-Lloyd contributing four ships. The first departures are scheduled for October 26.
Launching on October 12, the MIAX will support the growing demand of transport capacity between India and Africa. Hapag-Lloyd will operate MIAX jointly with ONE. A total of nine vessels with a capacity of 2,800 TEU each, will serve on this new route.
“The launch of two new services – IEX and MIAX – will create stronger opportunities for EXIM cargo and for Indian manufacturers to cater to global markets,” Rizwan Soomar, CEO and Managing Director, DP-World Indian sub-continent, said.
“We are extremely pleased to be chosen by Hapag-Lloyd yet again as it reinforces their confidence in our capabilities to add value to trade.”