The launching of Chennai-Colombo-Gulf (CCG) feeder service by Simatech Shipping and Evergreen Line, two leading shipping companies in the world to Visakhapatnam Port will provide huge opportunities for new markets in the Middle East, Africa and Far-East.

The CCG is a unique service offering direct connectivity to Sohar besides Jebel Ali.

The mineral and metal rich industries in the hinterland of Visakhapatnam spread over 700 km up to Odisha, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand will benefit sending raw materials like chrome ore and quick lime. Scrap is largely imported to Vizag from Sohar. With the launching of service of Simatech, now every week on a fixed day, feeder service will be available reducing waiting time for local traders.

The CCG will operate four container ships of 2,000 TEU each, one by Evergreen Line and three by Simatech. “The new service will facilitate export of buffalo meat, food grains mainly rice, fly ash and steel coils to only Gulf but also the European Union, the United States and the Mediterranean,” Simatech Shipping Director Hilton Mike told The Hindu .

He said trade links to Gulf mainly Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait would see a big jump.

The Simatech has already established connectivity with JNPT, Kolkata and Chennai. “We are confident of getting good business to and from Visakhapatnam,” Mr. Mike said.

“We are expecting an incremental traffic of 20,000 TEU due to the services launched by Simatech and Evergreen Line,” Visakha Container Terminal Private Ltd CEO Sushil Mulchandani said. Visakhapatnam had achieved the unique distinction of having all the prominent feeder operators deploying their weekly services connecting Colombo, Singapore and Jebel Ali, he said.

VCTPL, a joint venture of DP World and United Liner Agencies of India (Pvt.) Ltd developed the deepest container terminal here after signing a concession agreement with Visakhaaptnam Port in 2003.

Mr. Mulchanadani expressed his gratitude to Visakhapatnam Port Chairman M.T. Krishna Babu for offering 50 per cent discount on vessel related charges on new services help container traffic to go further.
(The Hindu)