TS Lines Boosts China-India Services with Larger Newbuilds: Taiwanese regional carrier TS Lines has deployed its largest containerships, TS Keelung and TS Shanghai, on its China-India service, showcasing India’s growing market. These 7,000 teu scrubber-fitted vessels, delivered from Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, increase capacity from previous 4,000-5,000 teu ships. Commissioned in 2021, these sister vessels are among six to be delivered this year, contributing to TS Lines’ 49 routes operated by a fleet of 35 owned ships. TS Lines emphasizes the new ships’ fuel efficiency and increased container capacity, enhancing competitiveness.
Market Developments and Long-Haul Lanes: While TS Lines planned an IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, there is no definite timeframe as the company monitors market developments. Having ventured into long-haul lanes during the pandemic-fueled boom in 2022, TS Lines exited all long-haul routes in 2023 and sold nine ships for over $150m. However, TS Lines benefits from India’s manufacturing boom, along with compatriots Wan Hai Lines and Interasia Lines launching a joint Indonesia-Malacca Strait-western India service, branded as SI8. This service, using 2,600-2,700 teu ships, offers direct connections between Indonesia’s main container ports and western India gateways.
Service Details and Providers: Wan Hai Lines will deploy the 2,702 teu Najade and the 2,741 teu Wan Hai 309, while KMTC plans the 2,556 teu KMTC Yokohama for the SI8 service. Interasia has yet to nominate its ship. Currently, Vasi Shipping provides the only direct container shipping links between Jakarta and Nhava Sheva with its IMS service. The collaboration between TS Lines, Wan Hai Lines, Interasia Lines, and KMTC Line highlights the increasing importance of the China-India trade route and the evolving maritime industry dynamics in the region.