Maersk has launched a new ocean shipping route between China and Bangladesh in response to increased trade demands, particularly within the retail sector.
Named SH3, this new service began operations on 7 July 2024 and significantly enhanced capacity on the maritime route linking the two countries.
“In this time-sensitive industry, retailers demand timely delivery across the entire supply chain to meet their customers’ fast-changing expectations. The new network accelerates the supply chain and benefits Chinese textile raw materials exporters and garment manufacturers in Bangladesh,” stated Wen Bing Lim, regional head of Intra-Asia Market at Maersk.
The SH3 route commences from the port of Shanghai in China, making stops at Xiamen (China), Kaohsiung (Taiwan), Nansha (China), and Tanjung Pelepas (Malaysia) en route to Chittagong in Bangladesh.
“The demand for textiles and garments from Bangladesh in the Western markets is constantly growing. Our customers have been demanding more capacity for raw materials coming into Bangladesh and readymade garments getting exported. The redesigned network allows textile manufacturers in Bangladesh to gain flexibility and speed for imports of raw material as well as exports of finished goods, supporting Bangladesh’s fast-developing Readymade Garment (RMG) industry,” commented Nikhil D’Lima, head of Maersk in Bangladesh.
On its return journey to Shanghai Port, SH3 includes a stop at Tanjung Pelepas, a hub connecting to long-haul routes to Europe.
The introduction of the SH3 service complements existing routes like SH1, SH2, and IA7, which also operate between China and Bangladesh. Maersk has made adjustments to SH1 and SH2 to further optimize their offerings.
According to the Danish carrier, these services expand coverage across China, providing multiple weekly loading options from Shanghai, Nansha, and Ningbo, as well as more direct shipping choices to Bangladesh. This variety in transit times and frequencies offers customers additional capacity, flexibility, and efficiency in managing their supply chains, noted Maersk.