Kochi port has improved its connectivity to West Asia for exports with the introduction of a new shipping service.
The vessel – SSL Gujarat -- with a capacity to carry 1,800 TEUs (23,000 tonnes) started sailing from Kochi non-stop to Jebel Ali, covering a distance of 1,780 nautical miles in five days.
The service starts from Kattuppalli in east coast and touches Tuticorin before coming to Kochi port for its final onward voyage to Jebel Ali.
With the introduction of this new service, the long-felt need for a direct sailing from Tuticorin to Kochi was also met thereby facilitating connectivity from east coast ports to this region.
The vessel operated by Shyeyas Shipping Ltd is designed to carry 100 reefer containers and 150 DG (dangerous goods) containers. With this new voyage, Vallarpadam terminal has now three shipping services to West Asia.
Shreyas has also plans to induct two more vessels into the service to increase the frequency of sailing from Kochi to West Asia, the port officials said.
The main beneficiary of the service will be Kerala exporters, who get a non-stop, fast and economic service. Concor has started two container train services per week from Coimbatore and a weekly service from Bengaluru to Vallarpadam.
According to officials, the Exim trade from these regions will be benefited by the direct voyage to West Asia, which till now was partly moving through Colombo.