Mundra Port, India’s
top container gateway, continues to ramp up its ocean service network reach.
Dubai-based
shortsea operator Aladin Express has introduced a second string to its regional
operations by connecting Mundra to the Persian Gulf region.
The new
service, branded as the Gulf-India Express 2 (GIX2), has the following port
rotation: Mundra, King Abdulaziz Port, Khalifa Bin Salman Port, Hamad Port,
Jebel Ali and Mundra.
It
complements the GIX loop that Aladin Express began in April, linking Mundra to
Sohar, Jebel Ali, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah.
“The GIX
service provides another swift and efficient product for customers between the
fast-growing and vibrant emerging economies of India and the Middle East,” the
company said.
Mundra has seen strong growth, powered
by significant capacity expansion and aggressive carrier relationship
strategies by the
port owner Adani Group. The private port has five container terminals,
including two facilities operated jointly with CMA CGM Group and MSC Group.
Transshipment
loads handled by MSC and CMA CGM represent a sizeable portion of Mundra’s
volumes.
Mundra is
roughly 300 nautical miles from the Nhava Sheva harbour, also known as
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA).
Efficiency advantages on the back of modern
infrastructure and dedicated rail-highway connectivity have made Mundra an
attractive port of call for carriers and northern India hinterland shippers.
While
Nhava Sheva users have had to deal with sporadic void calls from some of the
major services, Mundra hasn’t reported
any sailing disruptions in recent weeks.
