Introduction
In a strategic move to bolster maritime trade between Saudi Arabia and India, the CMA CGM Group, a global leader in shipping and logistics, has introduced new shipping services connecting key ports in both nations. These developments are set to enhance trade efficiency, reduce transit times, and support the economic visions of both countries. The expansion of these shipping routes highlights CMA CGM’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the Middle East and South Asia, catering to the growing demand for reliable and efficient shipping solutions in these regions.
This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy by transforming it into a global logistics hub. Similarly, India’s push for enhanced trade relations with the Gulf countries underlines the strategic importance of these new maritime connections. The new routes promise to facilitate the seamless flow of goods, support exporters and importers, and foster economic cooperation between these two key regions.
BIGEX 3 and 4: Enhancing India-Red Sea Connectivity
On February 19, 2025, CMA CGM announced the launch of two new services under its BIGEX (Bay of Bengal, India, Gulf, and Red Sea Express) umbrella—BIGEX 3 and BIGEX 4. These services aim to provide comprehensive direct links between India, the Gulf, and the Red Sea, reinforcing CMA CGM’s commitment to strengthening intra-regional maritime networks. The introduction of these services is expected to significantly reduce transit times and improve the reliability of supply chains between these regions.
BIGEX 3 Service
The BIGEX 3 service is designed to connect major Indian ports with key Red Sea destinations. The rotation includes calls at Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Salalah, and Jeddah. The inaugural sailing from Nhava Sheva is scheduled for February 23, 2025. This service offers best-in-class transit times and optimal reefer plug capacity, catering to the growing trade demands between these regions. The inclusion of Salalah as a transshipment hub further enhances the connectivity options for Indian exporters, allowing them to reach various markets across the Middle East and Africa with greater efficiency.
BIGEX 4 Service
Similarly, the BIGEX 4 service focuses on linking India with Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The ports of call for this service are Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Dammam, and Umm Qasr, with the first sailing from Nhava Sheva planned for February 25, 2025. By providing efficient and reliable shipping solutions, BIGEX 4 is expected to facilitate increased trade activities and economic cooperation among these nations. The addition of Dammam, a key Saudi port on the Arabian Gulf, underscores CMA CGM’s intent to strengthen its foothold in the Gulf market. The service’s efficient scheduling and enhanced cargo handling capabilities are expected to attract a diverse range of goods, including petrochemicals, textiles, and agricultural products.
India Gulf Express: Strengthening Dammam’s Global Links
In addition to the BIGEX services, CMA CGM has introduced the India Gulf Express freight service to King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam. This direct route links Dammam with seven major maritime hubs: Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Mangalore, Colombo, Jebel Ali, Khalifa, and Umm Qasr. Weekly sailings are conducted using a fleet of four vessels, each with a capacity of up to 9,800 TEUs.
The India Gulf Express service is expected to amplify the trade capacity, competitiveness, and connectivity of King Abdulaziz Port, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objective of establishing the Kingdom as a leading logistics and economic powerhouse. The introduction of this service marks the 25th addition to Saudi Arabia’s expanding network of maritime links by the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) since the start of the year. This move reflects the Kingdom’s ambition to handle over 40 million TEUs annually by 2030, positioning it as a key player in global trade.
Strategic Partnerships and Infrastructure Development
CMA CGM’s expansion efforts are further complemented by strategic partnerships and infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the region’s logistics capabilities. In March 2022, the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) signed an agreement with CMA CGM Group to build an integrated logistics platform at Jeddah Islamic Port. The facility, spanning 130,000 square meters, aims to develop an efficient logistics mechanism and boost the Kingdom’s profile as a global logistics hub connecting three continents.
This logistics platform will feature state-of-the-art warehousing facilities, advanced cold storage, and value-added services such as customs clearance and last-mile delivery. The initiative is expected to streamline the movement of goods, reduce shipping costs, and improve overall supply chain efficiency. The investment also demonstrates CMA CGM’s confidence in the region’s economic potential and its readiness to support the growing trade volumes between Saudi Arabia and its trading partners.
INDAMEX 2 Service: Connecting the Indian Subcontinent with the US East Coast via Jeddah
To further enhance its service offerings, CMA CGM added a call at Jeddah on its INDAMEX 2 service, which connects the Indian Subcontinent with the US East Coast. Starting from January 1, 2023, the updated rotation includes Port Qasim, Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Jeddah, Norfolk, Charleston, Savannah, and back to Port Qasim.
This addition provides excellent transit times from Jeddah to major US ports, offering new opportunities for development and connectivity from regions such as Jordan, Djibouti, Kenya, and Egypt. By integrating Jeddah into the INDAMEX 2 service, CMA CGM has expanded its network’s reach, allowing exporters from South Asia and the Middle East to access the US market more efficiently. The move is seen as a strategic response to the rising demand for direct and reliable shipping solutions in the post-pandemic global trade environment.
Future Prospects and Impact on Trade
The expansion of CMA CGM’s services is likely to have a profound impact on trade between India and Saudi Arabia, which has witnessed steady growth in recent years. The new shipping routes are expected to benefit exporters of petrochemicals, textiles, electronics, and agricultural products, enabling them to tap into new markets and expand their customer base.
Furthermore, the enhanced connectivity between Indian and Saudi ports aligns with India’s “Look West” policy, which seeks to deepen trade and investment ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. For Saudi Arabia, these developments support its goal of becoming a global logistics hub, leveraging its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Conclusion
CMA CGM’s strategic expansion of shipping routes connecting Saudi Arabian ports to India signifies a robust commitment to enhancing maritime trade between these regions. Through the introduction of services like BIGEX 3, BIGEX 4, and the India Gulf Express, the company is set to facilitate increased trade activities, support economic growth, and contribute to the realization of regional development visions.
These initiatives not only strengthen CMA CGM’s position as a global leader in shipping and logistics but also reinforce the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia and India in global trade networks. As both nations continue to pursue ambitious economic goals, the expanded maritime links are poised to play a crucial role in driving bilateral trade and fostering long-term economic partnerships.
