Asiatic speeds up India – Durban transit time

TERRY HUTSON ASIATIC SHIPPING Services Inc has revised its services from South East Asia and India to South Africa and West Africa. Effective from the sailing of the London Tower, voyage 0701 westbound, which is expected in Durban on February 22, Asiatic has added the Indian ports of Chennai and Nhava Sheva (JNPT). Port Kelang will be dropped from the schedule and the port rotation will be: Belawan (Medan) Indonesia - Chennai - Nhava Sheva (JNPT) – Durban - Pointe Noire - Lagos (Apapa) - Tema Leigh Walker, country manager for Hull Blyth South Africa, representatives for Asiatic SSI, said the line saw a need in the market for a fast transit time from India to Durban and West Africa. “Chennai to Durban will be 16 days and Nhava Sheva to Durban will be 10 days non stop. In addition, Asiatic intends to add a fourth 1200-TEU vessel to improve its frequency to 15 days from the current 23 days.”