As trade volumes between India and Vietnam surge 27% year-over-year (UN Comtrade 2023), Taiwanese carrier Wan Hai Lines responds with a dedicated regional loop connecting key industrial hubs. The new WHS service (West India-Ho Chi Minh-Shuttle) launches August 15th, offering weekly sailings between Nhava Sheva and Ho Chi Minh City via Colombo.
Why This Route Matters Now
Vietnam has emerged as India's 15th largest trading partner with bilateral trade hitting $14.7 billion in 2022 - a 22% jump from pre-pandemic levels. Major commodities driving demand:
- Indian iron/steel exports to Vietnam's construction sector (+31% YoY)
- Vietnamese electronics/components feeding India's manufacturing push
- Agricultural equipment moving westbound; textiles flowing east
"This shuttle fills a critical gap," says Wan Hai's regional operations manager James Lin. "Customers needed direct coastal connections without transshipment delays through Singapore. Our 2,800-TEU vessels will cut transit times by 4 days compared to standard feeder services."
Port Rotation & Key Features
The fixed WHS rotation:
Nhava Sheva (Mumbai) → Colombo → Ho Chi Minh (Cat Lai) → Nhava Sheva
Designed specifically for regional traders, the service offers:
- Priority handling for factory-to-port cargo
- Temperature-controlled slots for Vietnam's growing perishables exports (dragon fruit, seafood)
- Dedicated customs clearance teams at Cat Lai terminal
What Shippers Should Know
1. Peak Season Capacity
With Diwali-related exports from India and Vietnam's Q4 electronics push approaching, early bookings are recommended. Wan Hai confirms 40% of August slots already reserved.
2. Connectivity Options
The service links to Wan Hai's mainline networks at Colombo (connecting to Middle East/Europe) and Ho Chi Minh (accessing China/ASEAN feeders).
3. Emerging Alternatives
While Nhava Sheva remains India's primary west coast hub, Mundra Port saw 33% cargo growth last quarter. Industry analysts suggest future loops may include this Gujarat gateway.
The Bigger Picture
Vietnam's Cat Lai terminal reported 18% YTD volume growth through June, with India-related containers comprising 22% of total throughput. This new shuttle service aligns with both nations' plans to triple bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030 through recently signed maritime cooperation agreements.
For manufacturers and traders moving goods between these markets, the WHS service offers three critical advantages:
- Predictable weekly departures avoiding mainline schedule volatility
- Competitive rates for sub-3,000 TEU shipments
- Reduced cargo handling (only 1 transshipment at Colombo)
