Thoothukudi gets a second direct container service to Vietnam, calling every two weeks

A new direct container shipping service now links V.O. Chidambaranar Port in Thoothukudi with Vietnam, Daily Thanthi reported on 9 November. It is the port’s second direct service to the country.

The container ship M.V. Hyan Alpha made the first call under the service, run by Samsara Shipping. Ships will call once every two weeks.

The route

The loop runs from Thoothukudi to Chennai, then to Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong in Vietnam, a port in China, and Port Klang in Malaysia, before returning to Thoothukudi. Cargo takes about seven days to reach Ho Chi Minh City and about 10 days to reach Hai Phong.

The ship can carry 1,781 containers. On its first call it handled 823: 723 for a private electric-car maker and 100 bound for Colombo.

Why it matters

Port Authority chairman Susanta Kumar Purohit said the service would help exporters of rice and other grains, fertiliser, cotton, yarn, coir products and garments, the report said. A direct link saves the time and cost of moving goods through other ports first.

Deputy Chairman Rajesh Soundararajan and Traffic Manager Sudipta Banerjee received the ship, along with officials of the Dakshin Bharat Gateway Terminal and Samsara Shipping.

What’s next

The next ship on the route is due at Thoothukudi in about two weeks.