MSC Extends Shikra Service to Middle East with Megamax Vessels

MSC has significantly expanded its Shikra service by adding direct calls at Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates and Sohar in Oman, effectively bridging its Far East-India network with the Middle East Gulf.

The revised rotation now links major Chinese ports and Singapore with Nhava Sheva and Mundra in India, before proceeding to the two Middle Eastern gateways. The full port sequence is Dalian, Tianjin, Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo, Nansha, Singapore, Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Khor Fakkan, Sohar, and back to Dalian.

Capacity Injection and Megamax Deployment

To support the extended rotation, MSC is increasing the Shikra deployment to 15 containerships. Notably, the carrier is utilizing vessels with capacities ranging from 14,000 TEU up to 24,300 TEU, the latter representing the largest class of megamaxes currently in operation.

The decision to deploy 24,300 TEU tonnage on this route indicates a strategic shift in capacity management. While such ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) are typically reserved for the Asia-Europe trade, their presence on the Shikra service underscores the growing volume and strategic importance of the China-India-Gulf corridor.

By integrating Khor Fakkan and Sohar into a loop that already serves the Indian sub-continent, MSC is optimizing its network to capture intra-regional trade growth while providing direct mainlane connectivity to two of the Middle East’s most critical container gateways.

Source: Container News