SINGAPORE, 7 February 2024

All three services enhance connectivity to the Middle East.

Effective 14th February, ESL’s flagship GALEX servicewill provide direct connections between key Chinese ports and the newest addition – the dynamic Saudi Arabian maritime hub of Dammam.In addition, the modified port rotation reduces transit time between key ports in China and Jebel Ali, as well as ensurescontinued coverage into Sohar, Oman and Khor Fakkan, UAE.

The Gulf Pakistan Shuttle (GPS), an upgrade from the liner’s earlier JBS service, provides direct access between Pakistan, Shuwaikh and Dammam, as well as to the transshipment hub in Jebel Ali, with further connections to the ESL network in Asia, the Red Sea and East Africa. The service’s first voyage will begin on the 6th of February.

Finally, the Jebel Ali Bahrain Express (JBX) service, which commences on the 15th of February, is an exclusive weekly shuttle between Jebel Ali and Bahrain.Bahraini customers can utiliseJebel Ali as a transshipment hub, and tap into wider markets in Asia, the Red Sea, the Indian Subcontinent and Africa.

All three services pass through Jebel Ali,bringing the total number of ESL services passing through the port to eight. With its strategic position at the intersection of East-West trade routes, the connectivity and transshipment possibilitiesafforded by this fast-growing hubopens a realm of trade growth opportunities for customers, no matter where they may be. Customers can access key ports in the Middle East, as well as ports in other regions via other ESL main line and feeder services.

The liner continually revisits their existing service offerings to ensure that routes are planned optimally, and transit times are adjusted to be best aligned with customer demands. The revamp of ESL’s flagship service as well as the introduction of two new ones underscore the company’s commitment to being a driver of trade in the regions they service.

  • GALEX service rotation: Busan – Qingdao – Shanghai – Xiamen – Da Chan Bay – Port Klang – Jebel Ali – Dammam – Khor Fakkan – Sohar – Port Klang – Busan
  • GPS service rotation: Jebel Ali – Karachi – Sohar – Jebel Ali – Kuwait – Dammam – Jebel Ali
  • JBX service rotation: Jebel Ali – Bahrain – Jebel Ali