A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk) has inaugurated a new ocean shipping route between China and Bangladesh to address increasing trade demand, particularly in the retail sector.
The new route, known as SH3, began operating on 7 July 2024, and increases capacity in the maritime network connecting the two nations.
The SH3 rotation begins at Shanghai Port in China and includes stops in Xiamen, Kaohsiung, Nansha, and Tanjung Pelepas before arriving in Chittagong, Bangladesh.
On its way back to Shanghai Port, SH3 will stop in Tanjung Palapas, where long-haul connections to Europe are connected.
The introduction of the SH3 service aims to complement the existing SH1, SH2 and IA7 services between China and Bangladesh. Adjustments have been made to SH1 and SH2 to improve the offering.
READ: Maersk’s green methanol vessel bunkers in China
The combination of these services broadens coverage in China by offering several possibilities for loading goods throughout the week from Shanghai, Nansha, and Ningbo, as well as more direct shipping options to Bangladesh.
Maersk noted that customers will benefit from the variety of transit time and frequency choices, which will provide them with not just more capacity but also greater flexibility and efficiency in their supply chains.
Wen Bing Lim, Regional Head of Intra-Asia Market at Maersk, stated: “In this time-sensitive industry, retailers demand timely delivery across the entire supply chain to meet their customers’ fast-changing expectations. The new network accelerates the supply chain and benefits Chinese textile raw materials exporters and garment manufacturers in Bangladesh.”
READ: Maersk launches new warehouse in Denmark
Nikhil D’Lima, Head of Maersk in Bangladesh, said: “The demand for textiles and garments from Bangladesh in the Western markets is constantly growing.
“The redesigned network allows textile manufacturers in Bangladesh to gain flexibility and speed for imports of raw material as well as exports of finished goods, supporting Bangladesh’s fast-developing Readymade Garment (RMG) industry.”
Recently, Maersk Air Cargo (MAC) taken receipt of the first of two new Boeing 777Fs.
