Maersk Launches New SH3 Ocean Service Connecting China and Bangladesh

A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk) has launched a new ocean shipping service between China and Bangladesh to address the growing trade demand, particularly in the retail sector. The new service, named SH3, began operations on 7 July 2024, adding more capacity to the ocean network connecting the two countries.

The SH3 route begins at 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 stop 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 to SH1 and SH2 have been made to further optimize the offerings. This combination of services expands coverage in China, providing multiple cargo loading options throughout the week from Shanghai, Nansha, and Ningbo, as well as more direct shipping choices to Bangladesh. Customers will benefit from varied transit times and increased frequency, offering additional capacity, flexibility, and efficiency in their supply chains.

In the time-sensitive retail industry, timely delivery across the entire supply chain is crucial to meet rapidly changing customer expectations. The new network accelerates the supply chain and benefits Chinese textile raw material exporters and garment manufacturers in Bangladesh.

Wen Bing Lim, Regional Head of Intra-Asia Market at Maersk, commented, “The demand for textiles and garments from Bangladesh in Western markets is constantly growing. Our customers have been demanding more capacity for raw materials coming into Bangladesh and readymade garments being exported. The redesigned network allows textile manufacturers in Bangladesh to gain flexibility and speed for imports of raw materials as well as exports of finished goods, supporting Bangladesh’s fast-developing Readymade Garment (RMG) industry.”

Nikhil D’Lima, Head of Maersk in Bangladesh, added, “Textile exports account for a significant portion of China’s exports to Bangladesh. The Bangladesh RMG industry comprises over four thousand factories serving more than 100 international clothing brands. Bangladesh exports a wide variety of knitwear and woven garments, such as shirts, trousers, T-shirts, denim, jackets, and sweaters, to over 150 countries.”