(China Ports News) Recently, a brand-new “China – Middle East” maritime weekly Container service, Milaha Gulf Express “MGX” launched by Qatar Navigation Q.P.S.C. “Milaha”, with the representation of its Agent in China: Uni Logistics Inc. (“UNI”) had successfully started its maiden voyage in Shanghai, marking a new stage of economic and trade ties between China and the Middle East region.
This new MGX product will enable best-in-class transit times between the Chinese ports of Shanghai, Ningbo, and Shekou, and multiple key ports in GCC Countries and the Middle East.
The launch of the new MGX has marked new logistic maritime destinations and create marketing opportunities for the Chinese commodities allowing smooth influx of trade into the Middle East and promoting the idea of establishing “New Maritime Silk Road”.
Create a new win-win situation
“Against the backdrop of the current complex global economic situation, the launch of the new route is not only reducing logistics costs and accelerate logistic momentum, but also injects new vitality into trade exchanges between the two sides”, the Vice President of Container Shipping Division at Milaha, Peter Verheijen, said in an exclusive interview.
Answering a question about the unique advantages of MGX service and its role in logistically connecting Middle East with China, Verheijen described the MGX service as a direct bridge and express line that connects China with many key destinations in GCC and Middle East Gulf Countries.
He also said the MGX is being complemented by an inhouse Intra Gulf feedering network that is serving connecting from Jebel Ali Hub: Hamad port in Qatar, Sohar in Oman, Shuwaikh in Kuwait, Dammam in KSA, Umm Qasr in Iraq and Bahrain.
He added: currently, there are five deployed vessels on this service inducing a service weekly frequency.
Back to your question the biggest advantage of this MGX, is the shortening the transportation lead time, which is 3-4 days faster than most direct round-trip routes in the market.
“Due to the relative small size of operated vessels, the loading and the discharge together with the port stay will be faster, and this is considered one of the important advantages” Verheijen explained.
On Milaha future development and plans, Peter Verheijen stated that Milaha has an ambitions long range development strategy to promote and sophisticate near and long future services to create outstanding solutions and deliver multiple modern options for increasing customers via MGX and other relevant future services.
He expressed Milaha’s confidence over the Chinese economic and trade development and as well as the launch of MGX new route service which will enhance bilateral commercial cooperation between China and the Middle-East region.
Sailing Together, Charting the Future
The launch of this new logistic product also will show the vast prospects of trade and economic cooperation between China and the Middle East, he added.
The Middle East region has the abundant resources and vast markets, while China’s manufacturing industry and commodities show the strong competitiveness in the global market. The launch of this new routing not only brings significant logistics benefits to Chinese shippers, but also demonstrates both parties’ firm belief in the prospects of economic and trade cooperation. This landmark cooperation not only connects the logistics networks between China and the Middle East, but also lays a solid foundation for future economic and trade exchanges between two sides.
During the celebration of launching the successful maiden voyage of MGX in Shanghai, Milaha was represented by Mr. Peter Verheijen, while UNI was represented by Mr. Welly (note: second name required).
“MGX” new roadmap leads to “Silk Road Economic Belt”
The launch of Milaha Gulf Express (MGX)logistic service came in the aftermath of the Chinese proposal to establish the “Silk Road Economic Belt” and the “21st Century Maritime Silk Road” to promote economic and trade cooperation between China and the Middle East in particular after it has been incorporated into the “Belt and Road” grand strategic vision.
Finally, Milaha Gulf Express – MGX services is bringing a new roadmap that leads and complete the Silk Road Economic Belt.