Shanghai, China has started a direct container vessel connection to the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), which is a major development for trade and logistics in Eastern India. This action is expected to significantly lower logistics costs and streamline operations. The June 10 announcement also involves the launch of a weekly express service that provides a direct connection between Yangon Port, Myanmar, and Port Klang, Malaysia.

Cargo traffic between China and Kolkata has historically relied on passing via destinations such as Singapore. The introduction of this direct service signals a change in direction toward more productive shipping lanes. On June 6, SITC Nagoya, the first ship to use this service, arrived at the Haldia International Container Terminal after sailing straight from Shanghai. The SITC Tianjin is anticipated to follow closely and arrive at the Haldia Dock Complex from China by June 12.

The SMPK Chairman, Mr. Ramanendra Raman, emphasized the new service's financial advantages. He said that compared to conventional routes, transportation costs for cargo from Far Eastern countries to SMP Kolkata might be lowered by almost 35%. It is expected that frequent trade between India and important Far Eastern countries like Malaysia, Myanmar, China, and Japan will be facilitated by this cost effectiveness.

J M Baxi Ports and Logistics oversees the management of this service's operations. It has a port rotation that goes all the way to Shanghai and includes Port Klang, Haldia Dock Complex, and Yangon Port. The direct and continuous connection between Kolkata and the ports in the Far East is guaranteed by this clever route.

Many different stakeholders in the area stand to gain from this development. Reduced travel times and prices might benefit shippers in West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, the Northeast region of India, and nearby nations like Nepal and Bhutan. Along with increasing cargo transit efficiency, the direct service encourages deeper economic integration with important Far Eastern trading partners.