In a significant development for maritime trade, Shri Rathendra Raman, Chairperson of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, led the plaque exchange ceremony for Ocean Salute Shipping Pte Ltd’s Panama-flagged vessel, MV Yong Yue 11, at the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC). The event marked the ship’s maiden voyage from Haldia to Jebel Ali with a stopover in Chittagong, on the newly established Bengal-Middle East Express Service. It is expected to pave the way for more frequent direct container vessel services, fostering greater trade opportunities in the region.
The Bengal-Middle East Express( BMEx), a critical addition to the port’s container shipping network, aims to boost trade connectivity between India, Bangladesh and the Middle East.
Until now, EXIM trade between the Kolkata region and the Middle East was routed through transshipment ports, resulting in increased costs and longer transit times. Shri Rathendra Raman praised the HDC team for their efforts in facilitating this new trade route, highlighting its potential to enhance economic ties and expand shipping operations.