In May 2024, both Ocean Network Express (ONE) and Hyundai (HMM) will initiate direct services that connect India’s West Coast and the United States East Coast (USEC). These steamship lines are looking to further enhance services and make their presence known on India’s US trade lane. This service will increase capacity, providing more options and competitive rates for shippers and freight forwarders.
ONE’s WIN Service
In November 2023, ONE announced the launch of West India North America (WIN) service to further develop ONE’s offering from the Indian subcontinent. The first vessel ONE Modern is scheduled to depart on May 12 from Hazira.
“The increase in exports from India combined with the initiation of new services by ocean carriers signals a growing demand for shipping services. As competition escalates among carriers, they will likely offer aggressive pricing to attract customers,” says Sabri Aminuddin, Route Development Manager, South Asia.
According to ONE, the WIN service will use a fleet of nine ONE vessels offering a weekly route from Hazira, Nhava Sheva, and Mundra—to New York, Norfolk, Savannah, and Charleston.
This service will be in addition to the existing India-US East Coast services offered by Hapag/CMA India America Express (Indamex) and MSC Indus Express (INDUS). WIN is intended to boost trade efficiency, as well as capacity between India and North America.
HMM’s IAX Service
To expand its service coverage to customers, HMM will charter container slots from ONE standalone India-US East Coast service to create the India America Express (IAX) service.
IAX’s routes include Port Qasim, Hazira, Nhava Sheva, Mundra—to New York, Savannah, Jacksonville, Charleston, and Norfolk.
“This competition-driven environment often leads to competitive rates, benefiting customers who can expect to see drops in shipping costs. It’s a positive cycle where market dynamics work in favor of the consumers due to increased choices and competitive pricing,” states Sabri.
Through our India center of excellence, we can source space and capacity management on the ground, build relationships, and bring local knowledge and expertise to your shipments. As new services emerge on India’s US trade lane, Mohawk Global strives to offer the best ocean routings to our client base. Reach out to our India trade specialists for assistance with booking.
By Niket Panchal, Import Supervisor, India US Trade Lane