Vietnamese feeder operator Hai An is launching a joint venture called Lotus Link with Israeli carrier Zim to transport Vietnamese exports from the ports of Ho Chi Minh, Danang and Hai Phong.
The joint venture also has its sights set on Vietnam’s hinterlands and satellite regions, which have limited direct access to domestic and international shipping services. In addition, Lotus Link will offer landside services, including trucking and customs brokerage. According to a Linerlytica analyst, the service would connect the Vietnamese ports with Malaysia’s Port Klang, with Hai An controlling the Vietnamese leg.
Vietnamese boxship operator Hai An has by far been the most aggressive in expanding its fleet. It has 10 ships with a capacity of more than 11,000 TEU, and in 2022 it purchased three feeder ships from Goto Shipping, Minsheng Financial Leasing, and Nisshin Kisen. Hai An also has two 1,800 TEU ships on order at Huanghai Shipbuilding for delivery in 2023.
Zim aims to expand in the intra-Asia market as east-west trade volumes return to pre-pandemic levels. Vietnam country manager of Zim highlighted the joint venture will provide Zim the operational flexibility to expand its scope of services with the rapid expansion of manufacturing activities to satellite provinces in Vietnam.
(Source: The Load Star)
