Ocean Network Express will launch a new containership service between Savannah and West India in May 2024.

This new offering would give the Georgia Ports Authority 10 services via the Suez Canal, with nine calling on the Indian subcontinent.

ONE's new West India North America (WIN) service will offer a weekly route linking Hazira, Nhava Sheva, and Mundra to Savannah on the US East Coast.

The service will also call at Bin Qasim in Pakistan, as well as Damietta, Algeciras, and Jeddah, which offers further connection to Mediterranean destinations in combination with other services. 

"At ONE, we strive to embrace and support our customers' growth patterns. The rapid move of so many toward India is ripe for collaboration," said Zach Connors, senior director and head of sales of ONE North America.

"Our new WIN service is a flexible and dynamic product designed to catalyze the development of the India-North America market and beyond. Enhanced access to additional growing economies along this new route, by direct call and transhipment, will provide even further value to ONE's partners in their pursuit of supplier/buyer diversification," he added.

The new service will feature a fleet of nine vessels, all of which are operated by ONE.

In a statement, ONE said the independent nature of the WIN will provide reliability and flexibility to customers.

"At ONE, we have been committed to the Indian market since day one, and the new WIN is another milestone for our business," said Apramapar Singh, general manager of India Marketing at ONE India.

"Hazira container terminal is a gateway to the industrially vibrant belt of South Gujarat, North Maharashtra and Central India."

The main commodities include consumer goods such as electronics, perishables, textiles and chemicals. 

The service will follow the Bin Qasim – Hazira – Nhava Sheva – Mundra – Damietta – Algeciras – New York – Savannah – Jacksonville – Charleston – Norfolk – Damietta – Jeddah – Bin Qasim rotation.

In the announcement, Georgia Ports Authority noted that India plays an increasingly important role in world trade, with an export volume of approximately US$453 billion for merchandise with an annual growth rate of 15% in 2022, according to World Trade Outlook and Statistics published by the World Trade Organization.

"ONE's West India North America service recognizes a growing shift in global sourcing, with more manufacturers adding operations on the subcontinent," said Griff Lynch, GPA president and CEO.

"With the world's largest population, India also represents a tremendous market opportunity for US exporters. The Port of Savannah is strategically positioned to take advantage of this trend, providing more connections to India for supply chain flexibility."

The new ONE announcement will give the Port of Savannah a total of 37 ocean carrier services to global destinations — the most of any port from the mid-Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico.