Maersk Line has announced the launch of its new Far East to Chennai weekly service, also covering Visakhapatnam. To be known as Chennai Express the service will start from Shanghai on September 14.

According to company sources, the port rotation will be: Shanghai-Yantian-Tanjung Pelepas - Port Klang - Chennai - Visakhapatnam - Tanjug Pelepas - Shanghai. The distance between Shanghai and Chennai will be covered in 13 days and Visakhapatnam in 15 days.

The first call at Chennai therefore is scheduled on September 27 and at Visakhapatnam on September 29. Four vessels of around 2,900-TEU capacity each will be deployed on the service.

Inquiries reveal Maersk is mulling to start the maiden service also from Chennai on September 14. If that happens, then two vessels will start from two ends, Shanghai and Chennai, on the same day. The proposed service, it is felt, will also benefit trade in Kolkata which can now be connected to Visakhapatnam by a feeder service.

(Sourced from BL)