(Commonwealth_ Container shipping lines are actively exploring alternative supply chain solutions for Indian east coast shippers who have traditionally depended on Colombo as a key transshipment hub. However, persistent capacity constraints and congestion at Sri Lanka’s largest port have led major players like MSC, ONE, and Maersk to implement strategic adjustments to their shipping networks. These companies are now adopting new routes and logistics solutions to ensure more reliable and efficient cargo movement, bypassing bottlenecks at Colombo.
In a direct challenge to Colombo’s dominance in regional transshipment, MSC has launched a dedicated feeder service from Kolkata’s Haldia Dock to Vizhinjam, India’s newly established transshipment gateway. The new service follows a 10-day sailing schedule with an en-route stop at the port of Paradip. The increasing frequency of MSC container relays at Vizhinjam, which formally commenced operations this month after a five-month trial period, is evidence of the shipping giant’s growing confidence in this emerging hub. Further strengthening its operations in the region, MSC has extended its Jade and Dragon Loops key services, which cover trade between Asia, Northern Europe, and the Mediterranean, to include Vizhinjam as a scheduled port of call.
Meanwhile, ONE is leveraging rail transport to enhance its supply chain efficiency. The Singapore-based carrier has initiated a scheduled rail service, moving containers from Kolkata to Nhava Sheva in a bid to reduce dependence on transshipment at Colombo. To facilitate this, ONE has secured space at a third-party container freight station at the Kolkata Dock to consolidate cargo before dispatching it via fixed-day train services. This strategic move not only mitigates congestion-related delays but also aligns with the company’s broader goals of diversifying its Asian supply chain network. Additionally, as global shipping alliances undergo restructuring, ONE has reinforced its services beyond India and is set to introduce a new route on the West India-North Europe trade lane early next month. This expansion aims to compete with the recently formed Gemini Cooperation between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, which seeks to optimize global shipping networks.
Another key development is the emergence of the Indian Ocean Express (IOX) as a compelling alternative for Indian exporters. Offering direct connectivity from Hazira, Mundra, and Nhava Sheva, IOX presents a wider port coverage advantage compared to existing transshipment-reliant routes. While demand indicators for exports remain relatively weak in the short term, analysts predict that increased capacity and alternative routes will enable Indian shippers to negotiate better freight rates. Industry experts note that as container carriers deploy larger vessels and focus on stand-alone service operations, they will need to secure higher cargo volumes to justify these expanded shipping networks.
In the past few weeks, Colombo’s congestion has worsened, leading to prolonged berthing delays and declining port productivity. The situation has forced some shipping lines to bypass the port entirely in favor of more efficient alternatives. Maersk, for example, has taken decisive action by launching dedicated block train services in collaboration with Container Corporation of India (Concor). This initiative facilitates the movement of cargo from India’s east coast to Nhava Sheva, providing a seamless alternative to the traditional transshipment process via Colombo.
As the global shipping landscape continues to evolve, major container carriers are increasingly prioritizing reliability and efficiency over traditional hub-based models. The rise of Vizhinjam as a transshipment gateway, the expansion of direct rail links, and the strategic realignment of key shipping routes all indicate a significant shift in regional logistics. While Colombo remains an important player in South Asian maritime trade, its dominance is being challenged by emerging hubs and alternative supply chain solutions. Moving forward, the ability of Indian ports to capitalize on these developments will be crucial in shaping the region’s shipping dynamics and reducing dependency on external transshipment points.
