SCI, PIL, “K”LINE and Dongnama to Launch The INDFEX 2

The INDFEX Consortium consisting of Dongnama Shipping Company Ltd., Seoul, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line), Tokyo, Pacific International Line (PTE) Ltd. (PIL), Singapore and The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd (SCI), Mumbai are pleased to announce the intended launch of the INDFEX 2 Service, a fixed day, weekly service linking India East Coast with Northern PRC ports. This same consortium had started the INDFEX Service last June, the first direct service between the West Coast of India, Nhava Sheva (JNPT) to China & Korea.

This new service will be the first direct service between the East Coast of India, Chennai to Northern PRC ports. Furthermore this service will be the first Main Line service calling Chennai port, which had hitherto been a feeder port. The service is expected to commence with a west bound sailing on June 4, 2002 at Dalian and an east bound sailing on June 15 at Chennai. The intended rotation is Dalian - Xingang - Yantai - Qingdao - Hong Kong (Midstream) - Singapore - Port Kelang (North & West Port) - Chennai - Port Kelang (North & West Port) - Singapore - Pasir Gudang - Hong Kong (Midstream) - Dalian. 5 vessels of effective capacity of 1500 teu will be deployed.

INDFEX 2 will provide a fast and reliable option to shippers with a transit time of 15 days between Northern PRC ports and Chennai, which surpasses the transhipment service being provided by the competitors. Using the services of CONCOR, this service expects to improve on the transit times between Far East and North India.

The INDFEX Consortium recognizing the tremendous potential of the trade possibilities between India and China and, have launched this service, in anticipation of the trade growth between the two major and growing economies. Furthermore, the lines take cognizance of the fact that Chennai has been granted a “hub port” status by the Indian Govt. and hope to take advantage of any related developments.