Expanding Capacity and Enhancing Supply Chain Efficiency
A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk) has unveiled an exciting new ocean shipping service between China and Bangladesh, aiming to revolutionize trade in the retail sector. Dubbed SH3, this new route kicked off on July 7, 2024, adding significant capacity to the existing network.
The SH3 Route: Connecting Key Ports
The SH3 service sets sail from Shanghai Port in China, making strategic stops at Xiamen, Kaohsiung, Nansha, and Tanjung Pelepas before reaching Chittagong, Bangladesh. On its return to Shanghai, SH3 will call at Tanjung Pelepas, linking seamlessly to long-haul routes to Europe.
Complementing Existing Services
SH3 isn’t sailing alone. It joins the established SH1, SH2, and IA7 services, with tweaks made to SH1 and SH2 for optimized performance. This fleet of services offers multiple loading options from Shanghai, Nansha, and Ningbo throughout the week, providing retailers with greater choice and enhanced supply chain reliability.
Meeting Retailers’ Demand for Speed and Flexibility
“In today’s fast-paced retail world, timely delivery across the supply chain is crucial. The new SH3 service accelerates supply chains, benefiting Chinese textile exporters and Bangladeshi garment manufacturers,” said Wen Bing Lim, Regional Head of Intra-Asia Market at Maersk.
Supporting Bangladesh’s Garment Industry
Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) sector, a powerhouse with over 4,000 factories, is set to gain immensely. “Our customers need more capacity for both raw materials and finished garments,” noted Nikhil D’Lima, Head of Maersk in Bangladesh. “The SH3 service provides the flexibility and speed needed to support this dynamic industry.”
A Trade Powerhouse in the Making
Textile exports are a cornerstone of China’s trade with Bangladesh. With the SH3 service, Bangladesh’s RMG industry – exporting to over 150 countries – is poised to thrive even more. From shirts and trousers to T-shirts and denim, the global demand for Bangladeshi garments is on the rise.
Maersk’s new SH3 service marks a significant step forward in enhancing trade efficiency and meeting the evolving needs of the retail supply chain between China and Bangladesh.