Maersk Introduces New SH3 Shipping Service Between China and Bangladesh
A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk) has launched a new ocean shipping service, SH3, to accommodate the rising trade demand between China and Bangladesh, particularly in the retail sector. Commencing on 7 July 2024, this service adds significant capacity to the ocean network connecting the two countries.
The SH3 service begins its rotation at Shanghai Port in China, making stops at Xiamen, Kaohsiung, Nansha, and Tanjung Pelepas before arriving at Chittagong, Bangladesh. On the return trip to Shanghai Port, SH3 stops again at Tanjung Pelepas, facilitating connections to long-haul routes to Europe.
SH3 Service Enhances Capacity and Flexibility for Retail Supply Chains
The introduction of SH3 complements Maersk’s existing SH1, SH2, and IA7 services between China and Bangladesh. Adjustments to SH1 and SH2 have optimized the overall service offering, expanding coverage within China and providing multiple cargo loading options throughout the week from Shanghai, Nansha, and Ningbo. Customers now benefit from increased capacity, greater flexibility, and improved efficiency in their supply chains due to varied transit times and frequencies.
In a time-sensitive industry, timely delivery is crucial for retailers to meet fast-changing customer expectations. The new SH3 service accelerates the supply chain, benefiting Chinese textile raw material exporters and garment manufacturers in Bangladesh.
Wen Bing Lim, Regional Head of Intra-Asia Market at Maersk, commented: “The demand for textiles and garments from Bangladesh in Western markets is constantly growing. Our customers have been demanding more capacity for raw materials coming into Bangladesh and readymade garments getting exported. The redesigned network allows textile manufacturers in Bangladesh to gain flexibility and speed for imports of raw material as well as exports of finished goods, supporting Bangladesh’s fast-developing Readymade Garment (RMG) industry.”
Nikhil D’Lima, Head of Maersk in Bangladesh, added: “Textile exports account for a significant portion of China’s exports to Bangladesh. The Bangladesh RMG industry comprises over four thousand factories serving over 100 international clothing brands. Bangladesh exports to more than 150 countries a wide variety of knitwear and woven garments, such as shirts, trousers, T-shirts, denim, jackets, and sweaters.”
About Maersk
A.P. Moller – Maersk is an integrated logistics company working to connect and simplify its customers’ supply chains. As a global leader in logistics services, the company operates in more than 130 countries and employs around 100,000 people. Maersk is aiming to reach net zero emissions by 2040 across the entire business with new technologies, new vessels, and green fuels.
