Qatar Navigation (Milaha) has revealed plans to launch the first ever direct service between Saudi Arabia and India.
The Qatari company has signed an agreement with India’s Kandla International Container Terminal (KICT).
Starting on 4 February, Milaha will deploy two vessels. The 1,015-teu Oshairij (built 2008) will make the maiden voyage.
Abdulrahman Essa Al-Mannai, president of Milaha, said: “After our successful entry into the Indian market in March 2015 with the launch of the first direct service between Qatar and India, we have been exploring various options to further enhance our presence in the country.
“After careful evaluation of trade patterns and feedback from our very supportive customers and partners, we decided to launch this service especially since a large proportion of agricultural produce cargo to Dammam is exported through the ports in Gujarat.”
The new service, to be christened Kandla Dammam Express, will mostly benefit rice exporters in North India and petrochemicals exporters in Jubail.
