DHL opens new Cochin terminal

DHL opens new Cochin terminal

   DHL said Wednesday it has opened a new ocean freight terminal in Cochin in southern India.

   The logistics company also said it will begin weekly direct less-than-containerload services connecting Cochin to Europe, North America and emerging markets via DHL's gateway in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

   'Cochin is a major port on the West Coast of India and is gaining prominence as an important gateway for India's trade,' DHL said in a statement. 'Cochin serves not just the state of Kerala, but also the neighboring states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, all of which are witnessing high growth rates in foreign trade. With nearly all key infrastructure projects linked to the setting up of its transshipment terminal being close to completion, Cochin is expected to become a major hub of maritime export and import trade. Port authorities expect to handle 600,000 TEUs in the first year and an impressive 3 million TEUs by 2014.'

   DHL said it expects the LCL service from Cochin will especially cater to small- and medium-sized companies in the spices, palm oil and coir sectors.