Maersk Boosts China-Bangladesh Textile Trade With New SH3 Service
A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk) has launched a new ocean shipping service, SH3, between China and Bangladesh to meet the increasing trade demand, particularly in the retail industry. The service began on July 7, 2024, enhancing the existing ocean network between the two countries by adding more capacity.
The SH3 service rotation starts from Shanghai Port in China, with stops at Xiamen, Kaohsiung, Nansha, and Tanjung Pelepas before reaching Chittagong, Bangladesh. On the return trip to Shanghai Port, SH3 will call at Tanjung Pelepas, connecting to long-haul routes to Europe.
The SH3 service complements the existing SH1, SH2, and IA7 services between China and Bangladesh. Adjustments have been made to SH1 and SH2 to optimize the service further.
This combination of services expands coverage in China, offering multiple options for loading cargo throughout the week from Shanghai, Nansha, and Ningbo, and providing more direct shipping choices to Bangladesh.
The variety in transit time and frequency offers customers additional capacity, flexibility, and efficiency in their supply chains.
Wen Bing Lim, Regional Head of Intra-Asia Market at Maersk, highlighted the growing demand for textiles and garments from Bangladesh in Western markets. “Our customers have been demanding more capacity for raw materials coming into Bangladesh and readymade garments getting exported.”
He further said, “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, noted that textile exports account for a significant portion of China’s exports to Bangladesh. The Bangladesh RMG industry, comprising over four thousand factories, serves more than 100 international clothing brands and exports to over 150 countries. The new SH3 service will support the industry by providing efficient and timely delivery of both raw materials and finished products.
