Vessel commences maiden voyage from HDC to Jebel Ali as part of new Bengal-Middle East Express service
In a significant development for the maritime trade, Mr Rathendra Raman, Chairperson of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, led the plaque exchange ceremony for Ocean Salute Shipping Pte Ltd’s Panama-flagged vessel, MV Yong Yue 11, at the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) this week. The event marked the ship’s maiden voyage from Haldia to Jebel Ali, with a stopover in Chittagong, on the newly established Bengal-Middle East Express service. This new service is expected to pave the way for more frequent direct container vessel services, fostering greater trade opportunities in the region.
The Bengal-Middle East Express (BMEx), a critical addition to the port’s container shipping network, aims to boost trade connectivity between India, Bangladesh and the Middle East.
Until now, ex-im trade between the Kolkata region and the Middle East was routed through transhipment ports, resulting in increased costs and longer transit times. Mr Raman praised the HDC team for its efforts in facilitating this new trade route, highlighting its potential to enhance economic ties and expand shipping operations, said a release.
source: Exim News Service: Kolkata, Sept. 12