CU Lines enhances VGX Service to strengthen Southeast Asia-Middle East trade routes

SHANGHAI : CU Lines has announced an upgrade to its VGX Service, connecting Southeast Asia with major Middle East hubs like Jebel Ali and Dammam. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing global maritime logistics and streamlining trade between these dynamic regions.

The upgraded service, set to start on May 16, 2024, from Laem Chabang, Thailand, includes additional sailings from Cai Mep, Vietnam, and Tg Priok, Jakarta on May 19 and May 21 respectively. The enhancement incorporates 11 vessels, each with a capacity between 4,500 to 5,500 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), executing a 77-day round voyage cycle to ensure dependable scheduling.

This service expansion provides direct connections from Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia to the west coast of India, continuing to Jebel Ali and Dammam. The strategic enhancements are designed to meet increasing demand in these regions, offering reduced transit times and expanded port calls, including new stops in Indonesia, Singapore, and Mundra.

Additionally, the service will introduce a specialized reefer service catering to the transport of perishable goods from Southeast Asia to Middle Eastern markets. The first voyage of the Thailand loop will be conducted by the vessel ZHONG GU SHEN YANG v2420, departing Laem Chabang on May 16, 2024, while the Vietnam/Indonesia loop starts with the ESL KABIR v2420, setting off from Ho Chi Minh City on May 19, 2024.

CULines’ service enhancements are expected to significantly boost the efficiency of maritime trade between Southeast Asia and the Middle East, providing robust solutions that adapt to the needs of international shippers and foster economic growth in the connected regions. This strategic move enhances CULines’ role as a pivotal player in the global maritime logistics arena.