Direct container shipping service to Myanmar flagged-off

KRISHNAPATNAM (ANDHRA PRADESH): One of the largest ports on the East Coast Krishnapatnam port has flagged off a direct container shipping between Indian subcontinent and Myanmar, said a senior official of Krishnapatnam Port Company Ltd ( KPCL).

The Yangon direct service, a fortnightly container service operated by the Shipping Corporation of India ( SCI) was flagged off yesterday.

"In line with the government focus on developing bilateral trade between India and Yangon, KPCL has always been at the forefront in serving strategies and methodologies that would bring various corporates and trade associations from both the countries to partner and do business for mutual benefits," Managing Director, KPCL, C Sasidhar told reporters at a press conference.

Replying to query, he said the port handled 58,000 containers last year and expected the number to go to over one lakh in the current year.

Shipping Corporation of India Director (Liner and Passenger Services) S Narula said the Yangon service will boost bilateral trade relations between Indian and Myanmar by opening immense opportunities for exporters and importers.

The new service for Yangon-SCI Kamal (containers) will connect ports of Chennai, Krishpanatnam, Yangon and Colombo.

Sasidhar said the port has witnessed the total investment of yearly $1 billion till date.

In future, Krishnapatnam port will also have ship building and repair facilities along with the bunkering facilities.