The Incheon Port Authority (IPA) announced on March 6 that international shipping group Maersk had launched a PH5 service from Incheon Port to  Vietnam, China and Thailand starting from March 4.

The five ships being used by Maersk on the route have a carrying capacity of between 2,544 and 2,826 TEUs. The first, MAERSK NINGBO, has already docked at Incheon Port to receive cargo.

The ships will dock at three main ports - Cat Lai Port in Vietnam, Xiamen Port in Hong Kong (China),  and Laem Chabang Port in Thailand. It is hoped that this new route will help restore commercial activities between Incheon and the three countries.

The IPA has predicted that with the launch of the new shipping service, the volume of cargo, including raw materials, car parts, daily necessities, furniture, and small household appliances, transiting through Incheon Port will increase by more than 60,000 TEUs a year.

According to an official from the IPA, the number of trips making calls in Vietnam and Thailand has increased to 29, creating opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to expand their export markets and providing shippers and freight forwarders in urban areas with more options.

Incheon Port has said it will continue to work with transport and logistic companies to stabilize and develop these routes.