On 12th, October Maersk Serangoon reached Chennai port and was berthed there for transshipment of cargo to the port of Salalah, Oman. The ship loaded with 5228 TEUs in Chennai port and left for Colombo on October 13 en route to Salalah.
This vessel comes in lieu of the direct Asia to Europe shipment of cargo that used to take place from Chennai to Genoa in Italy. Due to commercial considerations, it was decided last month to replace it with regular shuttle service via the Sri Lankan capital Colombo to Salalah and from there, it will be trans-shipped onward to Europe. Sources say this brings no reduction in vessel traffic at Chennai port.
The congestion and problems with the evacuation of containers is still a persistent problem faced with the Port of Chennai. Therefore, the liner service has decided to call on ports of Katupalli and Krishnapatnam as well. These private ports, located close to Chennai port can be used, in case the evacuation of containers become a serious problem at Chennai port.
Maersk liners are also operating on regular weekly service from Chennai port to the Chinese port of Tanjung Pelepas via Krishnapatnam and Vizag ports.
Source: Deccan Chronicle
