Thai shipping line Regional Container Lines (RCL) has decided to enhance its service and connect major ports in Southeast Asia, India and Gulf countries
India’s maritime connectivity is set to receive a significant boost, as the Thai shipping line Regional Container Lines (RCL) has decided to enhance its service and connect major ports in Southeast Asia, India, and Gulf countries. The RCL route will now include Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Port, starting from Cai Mep Port in Vietnam with stops at Laem Chabang in Thailand, Port Klang in Malaysia, Nhava Sheva in Mumbai, Jebel Ali near Dubai, and Sohar in Oman, in addition to the Saudi port.
The service will be extended from the current 35-day period to a 42-day period.
Although RCL currently deploys one vessel in this cargo service, it is possible that more vessels could be added to this route in the future, according to an analyst.
The new shipping route will greatly benefit India as it seeks to strengthen its ties with Southeast Asian and Gulf nations. This route will connect India with both regions and help boost trade in the post-Covid era.
Towards the end of this year, the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) plans to launch a liner service that will connect Mundra and Nhava Sheva in India with Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Islamic Port. This move is likely to result in a significant increase in economic transactions between India and the Gulf nations.
Following the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and the UAE, New Delhi is now eager to proceed with the proposed free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as soon as possible. Additionally, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are set to become members of the BRICS bloc next year. India is already working to enhance trade with these nations using its own currency, the rupee.
India has maritime borders with several countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. As a result, it is important for New Delhi to improve its maritime transport capabilities. Increasing cargo handling capacity by 300 per cent at ports by 2047 is a goal for India, and connecting with important hubs will help achieve this.
