Maersk Launches New Sea Route to Boost China-India Trade

Logistics leader Maersk is introducing the innovative FI2 ocean freight service next month, which will strengthen trade ties between Far East Asia and the Indian subcontinent. This new route is in response to the increased demand for capacity along the China-India trade corridor, offering a high-frequency connection to crucial manufacturing and sourcing centers in northwest India.

The FI2 service, featuring a fleet of six vessels each with a capacity of 4,500 TEU, will follow a route including Shanghai, Ningbo, Nansha, Tanjung Pelepas, Nhava Sheva, Pipavav, and Port Qasim. A highlight of this service is the strategic call at Pipavav on India's northwestern coastline, giving access to the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) rail network. Maersk aims to provide an integrated logistics solution beyond port gates, facilitating swift inland transport of cargo to the National Capital Region (NCR) and reducing transit times.

The FI2 path is particularly beneficial for transporting high-value, time-sensitive goods across sectors like automotive, chemicals, retail, and technology, offering a reliable, door-to-door supply chain solution.

(With inputs from agencies.)