Sri Lanka’s Colombo Port included among ports called at by vessels of Japan’s Ocean Network Express
A new global container carrier alliance of three Japanese liner companies, Ocean Network Express has reportedly included Sri Lanka’s Colombo Port in one of its loops with a maiden call at the private South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT).
Ocean Network Express (ONE), the mega carrier born out of the merger between NYK, MOL and K Line, launched the EC5 service in Colombo on April 23, 2018, the local media has stated referring to a statement issued by the company.
According to the report, the EC5 service loop is jointly operated by member carriers Yang Ming, Hapag-Lloyd, NYK and “K” Line, with a port rotation of Laem Chabang, Cai Mep, Singapore, Colombo, Halifax, New York, Savannah, Norfolk, Halifax, Dubai Jebel Ali, Singapore and back to Laem Chabang.
“SAGT’s operational capabilities have been frequently recognized on the global arena, and ONE’s choice to deploy the EC5 service is an endorsement of our performance capabilities,” General Manager – Operations, SAGT, Upul Jinadasa has said.
Managing Director of ONE Lanka, Vishvanath Daluwatte has reportedly said ONE Lanka “looks forward to the partnership with SAGT and Port of Colombo to exceed customer expectations in Sri Lanka and in regional markets.”
The three lines NYK, MOL and K Line had first announced the merger in November 2016 and commenced single joint operations in April 2018, making them the sixth largest carrier by size with nearly 7% market share.
According to reports, the alliance has a fleet of 230 containerships and offers 85 service loops and a comprehensive network linking more than 200 of the world’s major ports.
OSL take:
The inclusion of the Colombo Port in the service loop of Ocean Network Enterprises including the lines NYK, MOL and K Line is a positive indication for the Port, which is in the process of achieving hub status in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka’s geographical location along with its trade and shipping regulations would provide a push in the right direction for the Colombo Port in reaching hub status.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/26042018/Z_13 |