Greta Shipping commences services on 3 strategic Middle East–India Subcontinent trade routes
SINGAPORE : Greta Shipping, a Singapore‑based subsidiary of Xiamen C&D Group founded in March 2024, has officially commenced operations across three key maritime corridors linking the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent.
While the JKX route is confirmed, Greta Shipping has indicated plans to introduce two additional services covering other critical ports across the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent. Though routes and vessels are yet to be formally announced, company statements highlight a strategic focus on bolstering intra‑regional trade corridors.
Strategic Rationale & Market Position
Founded in early 2024, Greta Shipping positions itself to capitalize on growing trade volumes between South Asia and Gulf ports. The JKX route enhances direct shipping options beyond existing offerings from alliances such as CStar’s MER1 and MSC’s Upper Gulf Express
Industry Context & Disruption
The broader shipping sector is undergoing route realignments in response to security tensions in the Red Sea and Suez Canal regions. Major players like Maersk, CMA CGM, and MSC have rerouted many services, driving congestion and cost increases on alternative passages
Concurrently, traffic through Jeddah’s Islamic Port has surged with new services such as IM2 and MEDEX—operated by carriers including Wan Hai, Emirates Line, CMA CGM, and Sea Lead—enhancing connectivity with India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and beyonds.
Implications for Shippers & Trade Flow
The JKX service offers exporters and importers in India and Pakistan improved schedule reliability and port linkage at a time when traditional sea lanes face disruptions.
By deploying a dedicated regional service, Greta Shipping may bring competitive pressure to pricing and transit times relative to current alliance-operated schedules.
The expansion aligns with broader regional initiatives like the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), aimed at simplifying logistics and improving trade integration across ports like Mundra, Jebel Ali, Jeddah.
Outlook
With two additional routes expected to launch in the coming months, Greta Shipping is positioning itself as a nimble entrant in a rapidly evolving shipping landscape. Its expansion strategy taps into rising demand for stable, efficient alternatives to traditional East–West corridors, especially amid ongoing geopolitical and maritime volatility.