SeaLead and Blue Water Line, an Abrao Group Company, will launch a new container service, the Gulf India Express (GIX), aiming to enhance the trade routes between India and the Gulf region.
Each company will deploy one vessel on the service, which is expected to provide a reliable and efficient weekly rotation connecting the key ports of Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Sohar, Jebel Ali, Dammam, and returning to Mundra.
The inaugural voyage of the MV Taichung is scheduled to depart Jebel Ali on 22 February 2024 followed by Abrao Cochin on 29 February from Jebel Ali.
SC Chan, acting head of SeaLead, highlighted the strategic importance of the new service, stating, “The Gulf India Express is a critical addition to our services, designed to enhance the trade corridor between India and the Gulf region. As Saudi Arabia and UAE are key trading partners with India, this service aims to support the growing trade demands and foster stronger business relationships between these regions.”
The introduction of the Gulf India Express service is a strategic initiative, aligning with the goals of India and Saudi Arabia to double their bilateral trade to US$100 billion in the coming years from the current level of approximately US$52 billion.
Shiva Mahadevan, managing director for South Asia and the Middle East at SeaLead, commented, “The GIX service demonstrates our commitment to delivering reliable, efficient shipping solutions tailored to the needs of global trade. By connecting major ports in India with the Gulf, we are facilitating smoother trade operations, offering tangible benefits to businesses and contributing to economic growth across these regions.”