CSP launches new direct service from Abu Dhabi to Europe and Indian subcontinent

CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal, the first overseas greenfield project of COSCO SHIPPING Ports Limited (CSP), has said that it will start a direct weekly service from Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi to several ports across Europe and India.

The new route will be served by a fleet of eight vessels on rotation, ranging in capacity from 10,000-13,000 TEU, the company said in a statement on Monday.

Exports from Abu Dhabi to the ports of Rotterdam, Hamburg, London, Antwerp, and Le Havre in the Europe will consist primarily of polymers while returning vessels will carry a mix of general and project cargo imports.

Within the Indian subcontinent, the ports covered by the service includes Karachi, Nhava Sheva, and Mundra.

“This new dedicated service marks an important strategic step in Abu Dhabi Ports’ vision to transform Khalifa Port’s end-to-end logistics capability. The ability to connect with some of the world’s most important maritime hubs in Europe and the Northwest Indian Subcontinent will enhance Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a leading facilitator and enabler of global trade in the 21st century,” said Mohamed Eidha Tannaf Al Menhali, acting director, Khalifa Port.

The CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal at Khalifa Port was established as part of a 35-year agreement to serve as a regional base for COSCO SHIPPING Ports’ global network of 37 ports.

In April this year, a little over a year since its soft launch, the operators of CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal’s Dhs1.1bn deep-water semi-automated container terminal said that it had handled 540,000 TEU of cargo.

“More than a year on since CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal officially launched, we are now well-positioned to bring our direct service offering to a global audience. Our new services will significantly increase the movement of cargo exports and imports between Abu Dhabi, Europe and India, providing our customers with solutions to tackle their international shipment needs, as well as the opportunity to target new markets,” said Naser Al Busaeedi, deputy CEO, CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal.

CSP has said that “based on market conditions and business requirements” it could consider the launch of further regional services as well.

In a bid to provide connectivity and facilitate greater volumes of trade, Abu Dhabi Ports recently launched a new feeder services, SAFEEN FEEDERS to connect Abu Dhabi to the wider Gulf region and the Indian subcontinent.

Read: Abu Dhabi Ports launches new feeder service to boost trade

The service, operated in partnership with Bengal Tiger Line (BTL) through a vessel sharing agreement, calls at nine ports across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Pakistan, and western India.