In a welcome development, Simatech, a pioneer in feeder service in the Gulf, Indian Sub-Continent, Far East and East Africa has extended its service to Visakhapatnam.
This service from Vizag will provide the shipping lines an additional option of connecting Colombo for their westbound cargoes which is presently catered by the lone feeder service from Vizag.
After a successful stint in Chennai, Simatech is confident of repeating its success story in Vizag.
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With the addition of Simatech service, the city now has the unique distinction of having all the prominent feeder operators deploying their weekly services connecting Colombo, Singapore and Jebel Ali.
The service will utilise four 2,000-TEU containerships, with three vessels deployed by Simatech and remaining one operated by Evergreen Line. The port rotation of the service is Vizag-Krishnapatnam-Chennai-Colombo-Cochin-Jebel Ali-Sohar-Cochin-Colombo-Vizag. The weekly service will be operated on every Tuesday at Visakha Container Terminal.
The service offers direct connectivity to Sohar besides Jebel Ali. The mineral and metal rich industries in the hinterland of Vizag would certainly benefit from Sohar call as most of the raw materials such as chrome ore, quick lime and scrap are largely imported to Vizag from Sohar.
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Evergreen vessel made its maiden call in the city last week. Merchant Vessel Taroko made the call at VCT on Tuesday evening.
The launch of the new service was felicitated by VCT team with a small gathering on board the vessel with an exchange of mementos. Director of Sima Marine (India) Pvt. Ltd. Hilton Mike graced the occasion to celebrate the maiden voyage.
The port rotation of service is Vizag- Krishnapatnam- Chennai- Colombo- Cochin- Jebel Ali - Sohar- Cochin- Colombo-Vizag.