EconomyIndia: On August 29, 2024, PIB Delhi announced the launch of the Bengal Middle East Express (BMEX) by Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK). This new container vessel service connects the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) directly to Jebel Ali Port in the UAE. The service, initiated in partnership with Singapore’s Ocean Salute Line and MBK Logistics Private Limited, is set to enhance global connectivity for the port.
The inaugural vessel, Yong Yu 11, is scheduled to arrive at HDC on September 6, 2024. The BMEX service will follow the Haldia-Chattogram-Jebel Ali-Haldia route, linking Bengal and Eastern India’s industrial hubs directly to a major port in the Middle East.
In his remarks, SMPK Chairman Rathendra Raman congratulated the HDC team, stating, “In today’s rapidly evolving global trade environment, efficiency and resilience are essential. We are proud to launch the Bengal Middle East Express service, which not only establishes direct connectivity between Haldia and Jebel Ali but also opens up new avenues for trade and economic growth in the region.” He further added, “To support this initiative, the port has offered significant discounts on vessel-related charges for container ships arriving directly from Southeast Asia, the Far East, and Middle Eastern ports. This service is a testament to our commitment to enhancing the port’s competitiveness on the global stage and supporting the region’s EXIM trade.”
The BMEX service is expected to revolutionize cargo transportation for regional exporters and importers by reducing transit time and costs. By bypassing traditional transshipment ports, it minimizes delays and operational expenses while avoiding congestion. This direct route improves supply chain efficiency, reliability, and competitiveness, providing better access to global markets for businesses in the region.
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