Direct India–Vietnam–Thailand Shipping Link Begins at GTI Mumbai Terminal

Gateway Terminals India (GTI) has received the first vessel under a new direct India–Vietnam–Thailand shipping service, marking the launch of a weekly maritime link designed to strengthen cargo connectivity between India and key Southeast Asian markets. The service, operated by Interasia Lines, creates a direct corridor that is expected to improve reliability and reduce dependence on transshipment hubs.

The first vessel call was handled at GTI’s Mumbai terminal, where officials from GTI, Interasia Lines and the vessel’s master marked the occasion with a plaque exchange. GTI is a 74:26 joint venture between APM Terminals and Container Corporation of India, and the new service adds to its effort to position itself as a stronger gateway for regional trade flows.

According to the terminal operator, the Vietnam–Thailand–India, or VTI, service will run as a regular weekly connection linking Indian ports with ports in Vietnam and Thailand. The direct routing is aimed at making cargo movement faster and more predictable, especially for shipments that currently face delays or extra handling through intermediate hubs.

GTI Chief Operating Officer Kumar Divya said the maiden call reflects the terminal’s push to build deeper and more structured partnerships with customers and shipping lines. APM Terminals also described the development as an important milestone in establishing its first direct partnership with Interasia Lines and as a step toward supporting the carrier’s future growth ambitions.

The new corridor is expected to support a range of industries by enabling smoother trade between India and Southeast Asia, a region where commercial engagement has been expanding steadily. Direct services typically help lower logistics friction by cutting extra handling, shortening transit cycles and improving schedule certainty for exporters and importers.

With the start of the VTI service, GTI is seeking to strengthen its role in international trade by widening service offerings and improving operational coordination with shipping lines. The launch also fits into the broader trend of India building more direct maritime connections with Asian markets as trade volumes and supply-chain integration across the region continue to grow.

Reference:

https://infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/ports-shipping/india-vietnam-thailand-shipping-service-launch-gti-welcomes-first-vessel/130384346
https://www.jnport.gov.in/uploads/berthing_report/pdf/16/APMT_Berthing_Report_-_19-Apr-2026.pdf
https://www.apmterminals.com/mumbai
https://www.interasia.cc/News/Detail?id=3062
https://www.interasia.cc/Service/PointDetail?destinationCountryCode=IN&destinationPortCode=INNSA&startCountryCode=CN&startPortCode=CNSKU