In a strategic initiative to bolster regional shipping connectivity and strengthen its footprint in South and Southeast Asia, Wan Hai Lines has unveiled the Tamil Nadu – Thailand Express (TTX) service. Commencing operations on April 20, 2025, this dedicated shipping route is poised to enhance trade links between Vietnam, Thailand, and East India, particularly the ports of Chennai and Visakhapatnam.
The TTX service is tailored to meet the growing demand for efficient, direct maritime logistics solutions in India’s eastern trade corridor. As global supply chains diversify, regional express services like TTX offer businesses a reliable and faster alternative for container cargo movement.
Strategic Port Rotation
The TTX service will operate on a fixed 28-day round-trip schedule, ensuring predictability and consistency for exporters and importers. The port rotation includes:
- Cat Lai Port (Vietnam)
- Laem Chabang (Thailand)
- Singapore
- Port Klang (North Port, Malaysia)
- Chennai (India)
- Visakhapatnam (India)
- Port Klang (North Port)
- Singapore
- Cat Lai Port
The inaugural voyage will be undertaken by the vessel WAN HAI 317, departing from Cat Lai Port, Ho Chi Minh City, on April 20 and arriving at Chennai Port on May 4.
Enhanced Capacity and Frequency
The service will deploy four vessels, each with a capacity of 2,200 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), providing ample space for diverse cargo needs. With fixed frequency and schedule reliability, TTX aims to address the increasing container volume in India’s eastern ports, offering shippers greater service coverage and shorter transit times compared to traditional multi-stop routes.
By bringing port-to-port efficiency, Wan Hai Lines caters to exporters from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and other industrial hubs in East India that rely heavily on seamless access to markets in Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and beyond.
Aligning with India’s Maritime Vision
This initiative aligns with broader efforts to improve maritime infrastructure and logistics efficiency under India’s Sagarmala Programme and National Logistics Policy. As India strengthens its role as a manufacturing and export hub, particularly in textiles, electronics, and automotive parts, services like TTX become critical for maintaining competitive turnaround times and reducing logistics costs.
For Southeast Asian countries, this service also opens opportunities to tap into India’s vast consumer base, fostering a more balanced and integrated intra-Asia shipping ecosystem.
Implications for Logistics and Supply Chain Management
The launch of the TTX service underscores the dynamic nature of logistics and supply chain management in the region. Professionals and students pursuing logistics courses in Kerala can gain valuable insights into such developments, enhancing their understanding of shipping and logistics operations. This knowledge is crucial for those aiming to excel in the logistics and supply chain management sector, as it highlights the importance of adapting to evolving trade routes and infrastructure enhancements.
By staying informed about initiatives like the TTX service, individuals can better prepare for careers in logistics and supply chain management, ensuring they are equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly changing global trade environment.
