The Shipping Corporation of India has commenced its direct European service touching ICTT Vallarpadam on Friday.
The vessel – SCI Chennai has a capacity to carry 4,400 teus.
port rotation
The rotation of service will be Colombo – Kochi – JNPT – Mundra – Salalah - Gio Tauro - Felixstowe – Hamburg – Antwerp – Gio Tauro – Colombo.
SCI Chennai of the ISES service, connecting Indian subcontinent directly to Europe and the Mediterranean, had discharged 105 TEUs including 15 Defence containers. It loaded 124 TEUs for Europe and sailed to JNPT by noon.
Facilities
Capt Anand Chopra, Executive Director (Liner Division), Shipping Corporation of India, said that he was impressed with the modern facilities and deep-draft at ICTT, which would attract many mainline vessels.
Mr Paul Antony, Chairman, Cochin Port Trust, congratulated SCI for bringing the Europe mainline vessel to ICTT and requested the company to bring in the other vessels in this service to ICTT as well.
Colombo rates
He said that the port is extending concessional tariff to the service and the vessel calls will be charged at par with Colombo rates. The success of the new schedule will build up direct volumes for Europe and it is expected that other lines will soon commence with direct service to other European markets, he said.
The new service facilitates direct loading for European markets from Kochi. The service brings in a minimum savings of six days of transit time and considerable transit cost.
transit reliability
More importantly, transit reliability for export containers to various European destinations is ensured by avoiding dependence of Colombo, he added.
Mr K.K. Krishnadas, Chief Executive Officer, ICTT, said “it is a proud moment for all of us at ICTT and DP World to handle the SCI Chennai of the ISE service to Europe today.
We will strive to outpace our efficiencies to ensure the continuous growth of service calls to ICTT to ensure the overall growth of trade through Vallarpadam and the state of Kerala”.