AP Moller-Maersk (Maersk) has announced the launch of a new ocean shipping service called SH3, aimed at enhancing trade between China and Bangladesh, particularly in the retail sector. The SH3 service commenced operations on July 7, 2024, and adds additional capacity to the ocean network connecting the two countries.
The SH3 rotation begins from Shanghai Port in China and includes stops at Xiamen, Kaohsiung, Nansha, and Tanjung Pelepas before reaching Chittagong, Bangladesh. On the return journey to Shanghai Port, the SH3 service also calls at Tanjung Pelepas, where long-haul routes to Europe are connected.
In addition to introducing the SH3 service, Maersk has made adjustments to the existing SH1, SH2, and IA7 services between China and Bangladesh to further optimize their offerings. This combination of services expands coverage in China, providing multiple loading options throughout the week from Shanghai, Nansha, and Ningbo, as well as more direct shipping choices to Bangladesh. Customers benefit from increased capacity, flexibility, and efficiency in their supply chains.
The textile industry plays a significant role in China’s exports to Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry comprises over 4,000 factories serving more than 100 international clothing brands. These factories export a wide variety of knitwear and woven garments, including shirts, trousers, T-shirts, denim, jackets, and sweaters to more than 150 countries and regions.
Wen Bing Lim, Regional Head of Intra-Asia Market at Maersk, emphasized the importance of timely delivery in the fast-paced retail industry. The redesigned network allows textile manufacturers in Bangladesh to gain flexibility and speed for importing raw materials and exporting finished goods, supporting the country’s thriving RMG industry. This new shipping network benefits both Chinese textile raw material exporters and Bangladeshi garment manufacturers.
Nikhil D’Lima, Head of Maersk in Bangladesh, highlighted the growing demand for textiles and garments from Bangladesh in Western markets. The SH3 service facilitates efficient trade flows, ensuring timely delivery across the entire supply chain to meet consumers’ ever-changing expectations.
