Tamil Nadu is currently positioned as the third-largest contributor to India’s GDP, and it aspires to become the second-largest in the coming year. Additionally, the state holds the status of being the third-largest exporter from India, with ambitious plans to achieve a 1 trillion USD economy by 2030. With a clear roadmap, a favorable business environment, robust policies, healthy competition, and a substantial pool of talented youth, Tamil Nadu presents a mutually beneficial opportunity for collaboration between Maersk and the state to explore and leverage potential trade opportunities.
Maersk is set to launch a new container service connecting India, Sri Lanka, and the Middle East, commencing on February 5 with a weekly Chennai service. The route will include Salalah, Oman – Colombo, Sri Lanka – Ennore, India – Colombo, Sri Lanka – Salalah, Oman. In Colombo, Maersk will provide connections to Europe through the AE7 service and to the Far East through the AE55 service, both of which include West Mediterranean hubs facilitating connections to North Europe.
Recognizing the ongoing challenges in the Red Sea / Gulf of Aden region, Maersk is committed to maintaining capacity and enhancing reliability for supply chains. Additionally, the company will introduce the Arabian Sea Service, featuring a rotation of Salalah, Oman – Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates – Port Qasim, Pakistan – Pipavav, India – Nhava Sheva, India – Salalah, Oman. The inaugural sailing for this service, GSL Kalliopi, is scheduled to depart from Salalah on February 9.
Maersk plans to roll out new weekly services connecting the Mediterranean and Red Sea regions. The Gulf Service, commencing with the first sailing of San Clemente from Salalah on February 5, will cover the route Salalah, Oman – Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates – Doha, Qatar – Dammam, Saudi Arabia – Al Jubayl, Saudi Arabia – Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Duqm, Oman – Salalah, Oman.
“We are happy to collaborate with Maersk as a strategic logistics partner. To attract global investments into the state, the availability of effective logistics and supply chain solutions is key. We believe this collaboration would bring the right global expertise, network, and ambition to enable the growth of trade in the state. Guidance, Tamil Nadu shall facilitate necessary support and bolster existing conducive environment to implement best global practices for proposed investments,”said V. Vishnu IAS, Managing Director and CEO, Guidance, Tamil Nadu
Maersk remains committed to catering to key industries such as Renewables, Automotive, Electronics, Textiles & Apparel, and Chemicals. In addition to sustaining its presence in these focus sectors, Maersk will actively investigate potential avenues in emerging industries like pharmaceuticals, footwear, finished leather goods, and technical textiles. The company aims to develop integrated logistics solutions with a specific focus on these sunrise sectors, facilitating their growth and enhancing global competitiveness. Maersk’s strategic approach involves not only serving existing sectors but also adapting to the evolving landscape by exploring opportunities in promising and growing industries.
