Safmarine to launch new Europe-India Prime-2 service in March

SAFMARINE, a Maersk unit, has announced the commencement of a third string between Europe and the Indian subcontinent in March by deploying seven ships in the 3,550-TEU range.


The new Prime-2 service features a new direct link between North Europe and Chennai. Its direct calls in Colombo, Chennai, Salalah, Zeebrugge, Felixstowe, Rotterdam and Bremerhaven complement Safmarine's existing services running from Middle East to north Europe and the Mediterranean, said the company statement.


The Prime 2 loop will call at Chennai, Colombo, Salalah (Oman), Zeebrugge, Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Bremerhaven, Salalah, Colombo and back to Chennai.


Meanwhile, the existing Prime 1 service calls at Jebel Ali, Jawaharal Nehru, Pipavav, Salalah, Tangier, Algeciras, Felixstowe, Zeebrugge, Bremerhaven and Rotterdam.


Also, the Prime 3 service calls at Pipavav, Nhava Sheva, Jebel Ali, Salalah, Port Said, Ambarli (Turkey) and Gioia Tauro (Italy).


With the new Prime 2 service, "transit times are improved by an average of four days from Chennai to Zeebrugge and Felixstowe, with an average of 22 days transit time from Rotterdam to Chennai," said Safmarine's trade director Kris Van Den Brande.


"Increased flexibility is offered with an additional Salalah call westbound that will improve transit times to and from Pakistan. The call in Colombo will serve as transhipment hub for Bangladesh and South Indian Ports, and it will also be catering for the local Sri Lankan market."


The first sailing westbound of this service is run by Maersk Miami, and the estimated time of departure (ETD) from Chennai is March 14. For eastbound sailing, the service is by Jervis Bay, and the ETD from Zeebrugge is March 7, which will run together with sister company Maersk Line.
(Source:http://www.schednet.com)