SITC launches new weekly MIM service connecting Malaysia, India, and Myanmar

KOLKATA : SITC, a leading intra-Asia operator, has announced the commencement of a direct weekly service linking Port Klang (Malaysia) and Yangon (Myanmar) with the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK). This marks the introduction of a first-of-its-kind Weekly Express Service.

All Far East ports, including those from China and Japan, will be connected via Port Klang.

The first vessel, SITC Nagoya, is scheduled to berth at HICT (Haldia International Container Terminal),on June 5, 2024, followed by the second vessel in the loop, SITC Tianjin, which will call at Haldia on June 12, 2024. This is the first time a regular weekly direct service to Yangon and Port Klang will call at HICT operated by J M Baxi Ports and Logistics Pvt Ltd, who were awarded the operations and maintenance contract by SMPK (formerly Kolkata Port Trust) for integrated container handling operations. The port rotation for this weekly service will be Port Klang-Haldia-Yangon-Port Klang.

This strategic launch by SITC, represented in India by Eastern Liners Shipping Pvt Ltd (J M Baxi Group) and SMPK, aims to enhance shipping efficiency for the rapidly growing EXIM trade in the region.

In today’s dynamic global trade landscape, SITC recognizes the paramount importance of efficiency and flexibility. They continue to build strategic services to various East Coast ports such as Haldia, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam, offering best-in-class transit times from the Far East.

The partnership between SITC and HDC (SMPK) is expected to spur development in West Bengal and other fast-developing states like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and the entire Northeast region. This service will benefit these areas with the fastest transit times and direct connectivity for their exports and imports, also helping connect cargo to Nepal, Bhutan, and emerging Northeastern states.

This direct connection opens new opportunities for businesses in the region to access global markets more efficiently, fostering economic growth and boosting trade volumes. It enhances competitiveness by offering more options and flexibility in shipping routes, ultimately benefiting the entire EXIM trade ecosystem.

Recognizing these benefits, the Board of Trustees of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Kolkata (SMPK) has approved an innovative Concession Scheme aimed at enhancing vessel calls and providing frequent, seamless connections to the EXIM trade of the region. This scheme, tailored for vessels under foreign run operating between Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) of SMPK and select foreign transshipment ports such as Colombo, Singapore, Port Klang, and any Indian transshipment port, commenced on May 1, 2024.

Under this two-year scheme, subject to review after one year, vessels calling at HDC with a volume of 601-1000 TEUs per single call will enjoy a 20% concession on Vessel Related Charges (VRC), while those with 1001 TEUs and above will receive an even greater 30% concession.