CMA CGM Enhances Maritime Connectivity Between India and Saudi Arabia
In a strategic move to bolster maritime connectivity between the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East, the CMA CGM Group has introduced two new shipping services: the India Red Sea Express (BIGEX 3) and the India Upper Gulf Express (BIGEX 4). These services aim to strengthen trade links, enhance supply chain efficiency, and support economic growth in the region.
BIGEX 3: Bridging India, Oman, and Saudi Arabia
The BIGEX 3 service establishes a direct connection between major ports in India, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. The rotation includes:
- Nhava Sheva, India: One of India’s largest container ports, serving as a critical hub for international trade and facilitating significant cargo movement.
- Mundra, India: A rapidly growing port known for its state-of-the-art facilities and strategic location, essential for global trade expansion.
- Salalah, Oman: A key transshipment hub in the Middle East, playing a vital role in facilitating regional and global trade.
- Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A vital port on the Red Sea, serving as a gateway for trade into the Kingdom and boosting Saudi Arabia’s logistics infrastructure.
The first sailing of BIGEX 3 commenced from Nhava Sheva on February 23, 2025. This service operates with a total capacity of 2,633 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), offering weekly sailings to ensure timely and efficient cargo movement. By providing direct connectivity, CMA CGM aims to enhance trade efficiency, reduce transit times, and support businesses relying on seamless maritime logistics.
BIGEX 4: Connecting India, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq
The BIGEX 4 service enhances connectivity between ports in India, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. The port rotation includes:
- Nhava Sheva, India: Continuing its role as a major international trade hub and facilitating exports and imports for Indian businesses.
- Mundra, India: Further strengthening its position in global shipping networks by offering efficient and high-capacity port operations.
- Dammam, Saudi Arabia: Home to King Abdul Aziz Port, a crucial gateway on the Arabian Gulf that plays a key role in facilitating trade for the Kingdom’s industries.
- Umm Qasr, Iraq: Iraq’s primary deep-water port, essential for the nation’s imports and exports, supporting economic recovery and growth.
The inaugural sailing of BIGEX 4 departed from Nhava Sheva on February 25, 2025. This service operates with a total capacity of 3,527 TEUs, providing weekly sailings to meet the growing demand for reliable shipping solutions in the region. By streamlining trade routes and enhancing accessibility, CMA CGM is helping businesses expand their reach across critical markets in South Asia and the Middle East.
Strategic Implications for Regional Trade
The introduction of BIGEX 3 and BIGEX 4 services aligns with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a global logistics hub and a vital link between three continents. These services are expected to:
- Enhance Trade Capacity: By providing direct and efficient shipping routes, the services aim to boost the volume of trade between the connected regions, strengthening economic ties.
- Improve Competitiveness: Reduced transit times and increased reliability can enhance the competitiveness of exporters and importers in these markets, allowing businesses to operate more efficiently.
- Strengthen Connectivity: Direct links between key ports facilitate smoother logistics and supply chain operations, benefiting various industries, including manufacturing, retail, and energy.
- Support Economic Growth: By improving access to key trade hubs, these services help generate economic opportunities, create jobs, and contribute to the overall development of the logistics sector in the region.
The expansion of CMA CGM’s network in the region now comprises 12 loops, solidifying the Group’s position as a global player in intra-Indian subcontinent and Gulf trade, and facilitating connectivity to and from global markets.
Supporting the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)
The launch of these services also contributes to the broader vision of enhancing transit between Europe and India through integrated maritime and land infrastructure. The IMEC project aims to facilitate energy transport and telecommunications via a subsea cable, significantly boosting trade between the European Union and the Middle East. With a modern fleet adapted to alternative energy sources and key port hubs in India, the UAE, and the Mediterranean, CMA CGM is poised to be a key contributor to the corridor’s efficiency.
The improved shipping network ensures better access to European markets, allowing businesses to leverage the IMEC’s streamlined supply chain. This aligns with CMA CGM’s long-term vision of sustainable, innovative shipping solutions that cater to the evolving demands of global trade.
CMA CGM’s Commitment to Regional Development
As a global player in the port and logistics chain, the CMA CGM Group operates 60 port terminals in 30 countries, including:
- Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal (NSFT) near Mumbai: A crucial part of India’s maritime infrastructure, supporting exports and imports.
- CT4 in Mundra, India: One of the most technologically advanced terminals in the region, boosting cargo-handling capacity.
- CMA Terminals Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi: A strategic hub that connects the Middle East with global markets.
The Group’s continued investment in regional connectivity underscores its long-term vision for driving trade facilitation and economic prosperity in these high-growth markets. With sustainability and digitalization at the forefront, CMA CGM is also focused on implementing greener shipping solutions to reduce the environmental impact of maritime transport.
Industry Perspectives
Jesper Stenbak, Regional Director of CMA CGM in the Middle East Gulf, Indian Subcontinent, Indian Ocean Islands, and Southern & East Africa, stated:
“The Indian subcontinent and the Middle East have long been pivotal regions for global trade. As economic cooperation intensifies and trade volumes grow, our strengthened intra-regional network enables businesses to capitalize on emerging opportunities. With CMA CGM’s extensive global reach and commitment to innovation, we continue to deliver superior connectivity and logistics solutions to support our customers’ success.”
Industry experts have also emphasized that these new routes will significantly impact the supply chain landscape, reducing dependency on transshipment hubs and increasing direct connectivity. Businesses in sectors such as retail, e-commerce, and manufacturing are expected to benefit from reduced lead times and improved cost efficiencies.
Conclusion
The introduction of BIGEX 3 and BIGEX 4 services by CMA CGM marks a significant milestone in enhancing maritime connectivity between India and Saudi Arabia. These services not only strengthen trade links but also support the broader economic visions of the connected nations, fostering growth and development in the region. By leveraging cutting-edge logistics solutions and expanding its shipping network, CMA CGM continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of global trade.
With ongoing investments in port infrastructure and green shipping initiatives, CMA CGM remains committed to driving sustainable economic growth and reinforcing its position as a leader in the maritime industry. As global trade dynamics evolve, initiatives like these will be instrumental in ensuring a resilient and efficient supply chain for businesses worldwide.
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