Hapag-Lloyd is set to launch more liner services to India in response to what it describes as “growing demand”.
The German liner operator plans to launch a South East India-Europe Express (IEX) and a Middle East-India-Africa Express (MIAX) service.
Hapag-Lloyd said both services, which are due to start in October, will “further strengthen and optimiSe” its position in India and “connect the country even more closely to North Europe and Africa”.
“We believe in serving the needs of all Indian customers,” said Dheeraj Bhatia, senior managing director of Hapag-Lloyd’s region Middle East.
“To do that, a comprehensive service coverage is essential and the IEX and MIAX will be an optimal addition to our existing service portfolio.”
Hapag-Lloyd claimed the IEX service will provide the “only direct connection between South and East India and Europe in the market”.
The weekly service, jointly operated with Ocean Network Express (ONE), Yang Ming Line and Cosco, will be made up of nine 6,500-teu vessels, with Hapag-Lloyd contributing four ships. The first departures are scheduled for 26 October.
The MIAX, launching on 12 October, will be operated jointly with ONE with a total of nine vessels of 2,800 teu, five of which will be provided by Hapag-Lloyd.
Hapag-Lloyd entered the Indian market 12 years ago and has established a strong presence in the country with 12 services and 14 offices.
“In recent years we have seen strong growth in our transport volumes and market share, and today have roughly a market share of around 9%,” confirmed Bhatia.
“There is great potential for further growth in India, and the new IEX and MIAX services are a step into that direction.”
