New Mangalore Port (NMP) has recently commenced its dedicated container terminal, and it has already received its first direct main-line vessel, the MV HONG AN. The vessel will provide a regular service, operating between the westbound rotation of Chittagong-Colombo-Mangalore-Nhava Sheva-Mundra and the eastbound leg to Jebel Ali-Khalifa Port.
This new service is the only direct option available for Indian exporters to Jebel Ali and Abu Dhabi, with seamless connections to major regions such as the USA, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
In an official release, NMP stated that the arrival of the MV HONG AN signifies a significant milestone for the port, which is now fully operational. During the inauguration ceremony, New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) chairman, A V Ramana, inaugurated the container discharging from the vessel, in the presence of NMPA officials and port users.
The main-line service began primarily as a result of the use of various productivity measures to free up berth time for new services through the establishment of a fixed-window berthing policy and the extension of additional inducements in the form of commercial rebates on vessel-related costs.
"The mainline service will be a game changer in how our shippers take their exports to the global markets in the fastest and most efficient ways. It will not only lead to more sea route options, but it can also seamlessly connect cargoes for air transfers from Dubai to destinations in Europe and USA," the release said.
The advantages include the transit time which will get reduced to half. The transit time to Jebel Ali earlier was 13-15 days. With direct service, it will get reduced by seven days.
The mainline service will avoid transshipment, which will result in better ocean freight cost for shipments. The new service will also give a major boost to export from Karnataka, particularly agricultural products, the release added.
(With inputs from PTI)
