Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMP Kolkata), in alliance with Pacific International Lines (PIL), a leader in feeder and container services for over three decades, announce the inauguration of the China Calcutta Service (CCS) at the Kolkata Dock System (KDS). This pioneering direct weekly service from China to Kolkata meets the increasing demand for reduced transit times from the Far East Ports to Kolkata, enhancing connectivity and efficiency for our stakeholders.

The CCS will feature three dedicated vessels – Kota Ria, Kota Rukun, and Kota Rakiyat – each with an average parcel load of 622 TEUs, specially tailored to navigate lower draft conditions. This service promises a transit period of just 10 to 12 days, significantly enhancing logistical efficiency and meeting the needs of customers in India and Nepal. The port rotation for the route includes: XIAMEN – SHEKOU – SINGAPORE – KOLKATA – SINGAPORE – XIAMEN, providing robust connectivity and fostering trade growth in the region.

The inaugural vessel of this service route, M/V Kota Rakyat, was welcomed by Deputy Chairman, SMPK, Shri Samrat Rahi at Kolkata Dock System today I.e. 18.7.2024. Traffic Manager, Shri R. S. Rajhans and other Sr. Officers of KDS were also present. The maiden voyage will be followed by Kota Rukun on July 25, 2024. This weekly service is set to bolster the shipping efficiency for the burgeoning EXIM trade across West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, the Northeast states of India, as well as Nepal and Bhutan.

Congratulating the team KDS behind the achievement, the Chairperson of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, Shri Rathendra Raman said that, "In line with this development, we have planned for a concession Scheme to stimulate vessel calls and container operations, effective for the FY 24-25."

Shri Raman further said that, "With the introduction of the CCS, it is anticipated that the volume of container traffic handled at KDS will witness a substantial increase, driving a higher growth rate."

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MJPS/AK