Weekly service on anvil for higher cargo demand

A local shipping company, which has been on trial for a direct shipping route between Karachi and Chattogram, now plans to offer weekly services for an increased cargo demand on this line.
Previously, this vessel used to ply the Dubai-Chattogram route.
It has launched shipping through Karachi on a trial basis as it offers a direct service that reduces delays typically encountered by both at the transshipment port in Colombo and on the long route.
The first voyage ended the Bangladesh part on Thursday as it departed from Chattogram Port the same day.
Currently operating on a monthly schedule, the HR Lines Limited aims to increase its service frequency to meet the demand for growing cargoes, according to the company.
Anis Ud Dowla, senior executive director of HR Lines, said, "Our aim is to provide weekly services on this route, as there is significant demand for transport of goods,"
"This transition to weekly service will take place soon," he told the FE.
The new route shortens travel time by three days between Dubai and Chattogram and five days between Karachi and Chattogram. "Since transshipment is unnecessary," said Mr Dowla, "there are no additional delays."
According to the HR Lines, primary cargoes include raw cotton, fruits, medical equipment and sports goods.
Additionally, some goods from Afghanistan may also use this route.
The vessel currently plying this route, Yuan Xiang Fazhan, is a newly built ship from 2024, which is registered under the Panama flag.
It has a length overall (LOA) of 182 metres, a beam of 30 metres and a summer deadweight capacity of 32,000 tonnes. The ship can carry up to 2,300 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).

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