HONG Kong's Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL), now a Cosco unit, has announced that it's enhancing its North Europe service network with the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent by introducing two new services.

The new services - IP1 and IP2 - offer direct links between the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent and North Europe and will be launched in June this year.

"The IP1 and IP2 provide direct linkage between the Middle East, Pakistan, India, United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Germany, offering more competitive and reliable services than transshipment options. It also provides fast transit times from Middle East, Pakistan and India. The coverage in United Kingdom is wide with 2 port calls," the shipping line said.

The IP1 rotation will be as follows: Karachi, Nhava Sheva, Hazira, Mundra, King Abdullah, Gioia Tauro, Tangier, Southampton, Rotterdam, Antwerp, London Gateway, Le Havre, King Abdullah, Djibouti and returning to Karachi.

The IP2 service will rotate through Jebel Ali, Karachi, Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Jeddah, Tangier, Rotterdam, Hamburg, London Gateway, Antwerp, Le Havre, Tangier, Jeddah and returning to Jebel Ali.

OOCL said that the strategic hub in Jebel Ali "will allow us to further connect our services to various OOCL networks in the region, thus offering exceptional flexibility and more shipping options to our customers".

The IP1 service will be launched with the westbound sailing of the MSC Tomoko (019W/019E) ETA Karachi on 4 June, and ETA Southampton on 1 July for eastbound.

The IP2 service will start with the westbound sailing of the APL Chongqing (016W/016E) ETA Jebel Ali on 2 June, and ETA Rotterdam on 1 July for eastbound.

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