COLOMBO : Bengal Tiger Line (BTL) has launched its new South India Service (SIS), strengthening its regional shipping network and enhancing direct maritime connectivity between Sri Lanka and Southern India. Weekly service linking Colombo, New Mangalore and Cochin to provide direct and reliable regional shipping connectivity.
The new weekly service will operate on a fixed rotation of Colombo – New Mangalore – Cochin – Colombo, deploying a 1,100-TEU BTL-operated vessel to provide customers with a reliable and efficient regional shipping connection.
The launch reinforces BTL’s strategy of expanding its intra-regional network through BTL-operated tonnage, while maintaining direct operational oversight and responding to growing demand for dependable and flexible shipping solutions across the Indian Subcontinent.
Direct Connectivity Between Sri Lanka and South India
The SIS service has been developed and deployed by BTL and is supported by the company’s established cargo base in the region. The dedicated service structure is designed to provide customers with greater schedule reliability, operational flexibility and direct market access.
By establishing a regular connection between Colombo and two major South Indian gateways, New Mangalore and Cochin, the service is expected to facilitate the movement of cargo between Sri Lanka and Southern India while supporting the growing trade flows between the two markets.
The fixed weekly rotation also provides greater predictability for shippers and cargo owners planning regional movements, strengthening the role of short-sea and intra-regional shipping in South Asian trade.
Strengthening Colombo’s Feeder Connectivity
Beyond direct Sri Lanka–South India trade, the new service is expected to enhance feeder connectivity through Colombo, enabling customers to access major international trade lanes and global shipping networks serving the Indian Subcontinent.
Colombo’s position as a major regional transshipment hub provides an important link between intra-regional services and long-haul international shipping routes. The SIS service will therefore offer customers an additional connection between South Indian markets and wider global trade networks.
BTL Expands Regional Vessel-Operated Network
The introduction of SIS forms part of BTL’s continued focus on strengthening its position as a dedicated vessel operator and regional carrier.
By deploying BTL-operated vessels on strategically selected regional routes, the company aims to maintain greater control over operations while delivering consistent schedules and flexible shipping solutions tailored to customer requirements.
The new service also reflects the increasing importance of efficient intra-regional maritime connectivity in supporting South Asia’s expanding trade and supply chains.
Service Details
Service: South India Service (SIS)
Rotation: Colombo → New Mangalore → Cochin → Colombo
Frequency: Weekly
Vessel Capacity: 1,100 TEU
Vessel Operator: Bengal Tiger Line
With the launch of SIS, BTL further strengthens its regional network and commitment to South Asian shipping, offering customers improved connectivity, operational reliability and access to international trade lanes through an integrated vessel-operated network.
The service marks another step in BTL’s efforts to build a more connected, efficient and sustainable regional maritime network linking key markets across the Indian Subcontinent.
