Ports Shipping and Logistics (Commonwealth Union) – Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), has announced the introduction of the Bengal Middle East Express (BMEx), a new container vessel service that will link the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) to the Jebel Ali Port in the UAE. This service, launched by Ocean Salute Line from Singapore in collaboration with MBK Logistix Pvt Ltd, aims to improve the port’s global connectivity. The first vessel, Yong Yue 11, is scheduled to arrive at HDC on September 6, 2024. The BMEx service will operate along the Haldia-Chittagong-Jebel Ali-Haldia route, connecting Bengal and the Eastern Indian industrial hub with a major Middle Eastern port.
Shri Rathendra Raman, Chairperson of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata congratulated the team of HDC in this regard. “In today’s rapidly evolving global trade environment, efficiency and flexibility are essential. We are proud to introduce the Bengal Middle East Express service, which not only establishes a direct connection between Haldia and Jebel Ali but also opens new avenues for trade and economic growth in the region,” he said.
“To support this initiative, the Port has offered substantial discounts on vessel-related charges for container vessels calling directly from South East Asia, Far East, and Middle East Ports. This service is a testament to our commitment to enhancing our port’s competitiveness on the global stage and supporting the region’s EXIM trade.”
The BMEx service is set to transform the way goods are transported by significantly reducing the time and expense required for regional businesses to export and import cargo. Instead of relying on conventional transshipment ports, this service streamlines the shipping process, eliminating unnecessary stopovers, minimizing expenses, and circumventing crowded terminals. This direct shipping lane optimizes logistics by improving speed, dependability, and cost-effectiveness, thereby providing companies with a more effective means of accessing international trade opportunities.
Transshipment ports have played a vital role in global trade, serving as intermediate points where cargo is transferred between vessels. These ports have played a key role in efficiently moving goods across long distances, but they also face challenges that can impact the smooth flow of commerce.
While transshipment ports play a vital role in global trade, they also present several disadvantages that can negatively impact the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of cargo movement. These drawbacks, if not addressed, can hinder the smooth flow of commerce and create challenges for businesses relying on these hubs, making the BMEx service a key component for the logistics industry.
One of the primary disadvantages of transshipment ports is the potential for delays and congestion. As intermediate points where cargo is transferred between vessels, these ports can become bottlenecks in the supply chain. When multiple ships arrive simultaneously, or when port infrastructure is insufficient to handle the volume of cargo, significant delays can occur. These holdups can ripple through the supply chain, causing missed delivery deadlines and increased operational costs for shippers and receivers alike.
Another drawback of transshipment ports is the increased risk of cargo damage or loss. The process of transferring containers between ships is complex and involves multiple handling steps, each of which introduces the potential for accidents or errors. Damaged or lost cargo can lead to financial losses for businesses and create additional administrative burdens as claims are processed and replacements are arranged.
The Jebel Ali Port, is a marvel of modern engineering and a testament to the region’s rapid economic growth. As one of the largest and busiest ports in the world, it plays a critical role in facilitating global trade and driving the development of the surrounding region.
Looking to the future, Jebel Ali Port is poised for continued growth and success. The port’s operator, DP World, has invested heavily in expanding its capacity and modernizing its facilities, with plans to increase its handling ability. The new link between the Kolkata Port and Jebel Ali Port may offer new opportunities for many enterprises.
