DP World and Emirates Shipping Line (ESL) today announced the launch of a new shipping service GALEX (GLX), a consortium of four vessel operators – ESL, KMTC, RCL and Hanjin.
GALEX consists of seven vessels with a capacity of 6,500 TEUs each and reinforces Cochin Port’s position as a transshipment hub with state-of-the-art facilities available to customers.
The announcement coincides with the maiden call of a GALEX service at the International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), Cochin today.
GALEX will embark from Pusan, South Korea, calling at Shanghai, Ningbo, Chiwan, Singapore, Port Klang, Colombo, Cochin, Nhava Sheva, Mundra and Jebel Ali on the outward route of the new service. The return route will depart from Jebel Ali direct to Port Klang, Hong Kong and finally back to Pusan.
Mr. Paul Antony IAS, Chairman of Cochin Port Trust, said: “With this new service added from our Cochin terminal, we are pleased to see India gain even greater access to key destinations across the world. It will reduce travel time and will provide a direct, reliable and stable service benefitting the trading community of the country.”
Mr. Abdullah Aljufairi, Vice President, Commercial – Emirates Shipping Line said, “We are starting a direct weekly vessel call into Cochin to show our commitment to serve the growing trade between India and United Arab Emirates.
“DP World values the importance of Cochin port in the commercial links between Kerala State and the UAE through their investment in the terminal and we understand the major difference a direct call between Cochin and Jebel Ali port can make to build on this relationship by increasing competitiveness and improving transit times.”
“We are confident that the Cochin direct call will benefit business and traders for the long term and look forward to the cooperation of the Government on this move.”
Mr. Anil Singh, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World Subcontinent, said, “DP World has always aimed to be a leader in the industry seeking new services and facilities as part of our commitment to customers. I am delighted to see this new service open and look forward to its success.”
“Emirates Shipping Line’s decision to join forces with us underlines the confidence they have in our capabilities, adding value to trade across the seas. With this major development, DP World reinforces ICTT as an international transshipment hub.”