KOCHI: DP World Cochin’s International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT) has begun receiving calls from the MGR IFR Service, a new shipping connection linking the port directly with key destinations in the UAE, Oman and Yemen. The new service provides customers with faster access to key Middle East markets, expands connectivity options and strengthens supply chain resilience for businesses across southern India.
The new MGR IFR service connects two major Indian gateways; Cochin in Kerala and Nhava Sheva in Maharashtra with Fujairah (UAE), Sohar (Oman) and Aden (Yemen) on a fortnightly rotation.
The service is operated by two vessels, M.V. MARSA VIRGO and M.V. MARSA ZENITH, each offering a capacity of more than 500 TEUs per voyage. It began with the inaugural call of M.V. MARSA VIRGO at DP World Cochin, where the terminal handled over 1,000 TEUs.
The rotation of Cochin, Nhava Sheva, Fujairah, Sohar, Aden, Cochin, enables faster cargo movement and strengthens DP World Cochin’s expanding portfolio of global shipping services. The direct connection gives exporters and importers in southern India more efficient access to Middle East markets and onward global trade routes.
DP World Cochin continues to enhance connectivity for customers while recording strong cargo growth. In August, the terminal achieved its highest‑ever monthly throughput of 97,952 TEUs, representing a 51% year‑on‑year increase. This follows monthly throughput of more than 74,000 TEUs in the preceding months.
Ravinder Johal, COO Ports & Terminals, Commercial and Operation – SCO, CA, LEVANT & EGYPT region, DP World said:
“The new port call under the MGR service expands our network and gives customers greater choice, reliable connections and improved reach to key markets in the Middle East. By working closely with our shipping line partners, we are not only strengthening supply chain resilience but also providing solutions that help EXIM businesses navigate disruption, optimise cargo flows deliver more efficiently. Our focus remains on enabling customers to make confident operational decisions through dependable connectivity and integrated logistics support”.
Cochin’s strategic location offers critical coastal connectivity to ports across India, from Gujarat to Kolkata, and serves as a key transit point for cargo moving between India’s east and west coasts. DP World has also developed Kerala’s first Free Trade Warehousing Zone (FTWZ) at Cochin, co-located with the terminal, providing customers with integrated warehousing and trade capabilities to support EXIM trade and regional economic growth.
