IRISL launches Direct Container Service from Incheon to M.E.

THE Incheon Port Authority said a regular container service connecting the port directly to the Middle East has been launched for the first time, backed by the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL).

According to MANA,The Iranian state-run IRISL will deploy its 5,100-teu vessel Touska in the Middle Eastern route, named HDM Loop, it said in a statement. Two containerships of 5,100 teu capacity each will be put in operation, along with four 6,500 teu container carriers. No other details on the six vessels were provided.

The seven vessels will enter Incheon New Port at fortnightly intervals, the IPA said. Incheon New Port was partly opened in June last year.

"We believe that Iran will be the starting point for opening a new silk road to expand trades with Iran's neighbouring countries, as well as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan," IPA president Yoo Chang-keun said in the statement.

Compass Maritime chief executive GH Zahmatkesh said the new route would "make a contribution to South Korea's increasing trade with the Middle East and central Asia, as well as Iran". Compass Maritime is the agency for IRISL in South Korea.

The shuttle service will run from Iran (Bandar Abbas–Asaluyeh) - China (Qingdao-Tianjin-Dalian) - South Korea (Incheon-Gwangyang-Busan) - China (Shanghai) - Dubai (Jebel Ali) - Iran (Bandar Abbas), IPA said.