X-Press Feeders has renewed its network in the Middle East following the suspension, last month, of its Karachi-Gulf Express (KGS) service. This loop, which connected Jebel Ali, Sohar, Port Qasim, Karachi, Jebel Ali, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi (Khalifa port) and again Jebel Ali, was originally introduced in 2018.
“In its place, the Singapore-based operator has launched two new loops covering the scope of the former KGS: the new Karachi Gulf X-Press (KGS) service and the Sharjah Jebel Ali X-Press (SJX) service,” Alphaliner reported.
“The renewed KGS is offered through slot sharing on the existing Jebel Ali-Pakistan-Sohar (KJK) service operated by Global Feeder Shipping (GFS). X-Press Feeders participates only in the calls at Jebel Ali, Sohar, Karachi, Port Qasim, Sohar and again Jebel Ali. Its participation began on November 8 from Jebel Ali with the 4,350 TEU vessel GFS Genesis,” it added.
On the other hand, the new SJX service will be operated directly by X-Press Feeders with the 1,645 TEU vessel X-Press Kohima, making calls at Jebel Ali, Sharjah, Jebel Ali, Bahrain and again Jebel Ali, with a weekly frequency starting November 11.
“Furthermore, Maersk and Evergreen Line have joined the new SJX loop as space participants from the first voyage, although their participation is limited to the calls at Jebel Ali, Bahrain and again Jebel Ali,” the consultancy concluded.
