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Over centuries, sea freight routes have shaped global trade and propelled globalisation. For instance, Mediterranean Sea Routes remains a bustling maritime corridor, with modern shipping routes mirroring those of antiquity, continuing to link Europe, Asia, and Africa. Well, in today’s situation, shipping routes are the invisible highways where countries have potentially increased trade for their economic growth.
But as demand grows, so do the challenges : congestion, high costs, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain disruptions. This is why opening new shipping routes helps in enhanced connectivity.
New routes cut travel time, lower transportation expenses, and create fresh opportunities for trade. They offer businesses alternative paths to avoid delays, reduce dependency on traditional hubs, and expand into new markets. More importantly, they strengthen economic ties, making countries more connected than ever.
A New Trade Corridor: China, Vietnam, and India
One such game-changing route officially launched on 18th February 2025, directly linking China’s Beibu Gulf Port, Vietnam’s Hai Phong, and India’s Kolkata. This direct maritime connection creates a stronger, more efficient trade network between these key Asian economies.
Here’s why this route benefits India:
Faster & More Affordable Trade Shorter distances mean quicker deliveries and lower costs are a win-win for businesses.
Stronger Regional Ties It aligns with India’s "Act East" policy, deepening trade partnerships with Southeast Asia.
Access to Growing Markets With Vietnam as a major transit hub, Indian businesses can tap into Southeast Asian economies more easily.
Resilient Supply Chains Alternative routes reduce risks from trade disruptions, making supply chains more reliable.
Let’s explore new shipping routes for better navigation.
In late November 2024, Peru's Chinese-built Chancay Mega Port commenced operations with a direct route to Shanghai. This port aims to become a significant hub for trade between South America and Asia, initially handling two container ships per week, with plans to increase frequency based on demand.
The Transpolar Sea Route is a future Arctic shipping route running from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean across the center of the Arctic Ocean. Unlike the Northern Sea Route and the Northwest Passage, the TSR largely avoids the territorial waters of Arctic states and lies in international high seas. As Arctic sea ice continues to decline, the route is becoming increasingly viable for future use.
As logistics companies steadily focus on involving state-of-the-art evolution in the supply chain, it is also necessary to keep catching on to new shipping routes, which also helps to plan ahead as alternative routes and helps during peak seasons.
