CU Lines is set to strengthen trade connectivity between Northeast Asia and the Indian Subcontinent with the launch of its new KCI (Korea–China–India) Weekly Service. The service will provide direct shipping links between major ports in South Korea, China, Malaysia, India, and Pakistan, offering exporters and importers faster, more reliable container transportation.
The maiden voyage of the new service is scheduled to depart from Busan, South Korea, on July 16, 2026. By introducing this dedicated route, CU Lines aims to improve cargo movement, reduce transit complexities, and expand its presence across one of the world’s fastest-growing trade corridors.
The KCI service will directly connect India’s two key container gateways—Nhava Sheva (JNPA) and Mundra Port—with leading manufacturing and export hubs across Northeast Asia.
KCI Weekly Service Port Rotation
The weekly service will follow this port rotation:
Busan → Gwangyang → Shanghai → Ningbo → Shekou → Port Klang → Nhava Sheva → Mundra → Karachi → Port Klang → Busan
This network creates a seamless shipping corridor linking manufacturers in Korea and China with importers and exporters across India and Pakistan.
Improved Connectivity to Middle East and Mediterranean Markets
Beyond direct port calls, the KCI service also enables customers to access CU Lines’ wider global liner network. Through transshipment at Port Klang, cargo can efficiently connect to destinations across:
- Middle East
- Red Sea region
- East Mediterranean
- South Asia
The expanded connectivity offers greater flexibility for businesses moving cargo between Asia and emerging global markets.
CU Lines Deploys 6,700 TEU Vessel
CU Lines will participate in the service as one of the joint venture partners by deploying the 6,700 TEU container vessel MV RACINE on the KCI loop.
The deployment is expected to provide consistent weekly sailings while supporting growing container volumes between Northeast Asia and the Indian Subcontinent.
Why This Service Matters
The launch comes amid rising trade volumes between India, China, and South Korea, with increasing demand for reliable shipping capacity and diversified supply chains.
Direct services such as KCI are expected to:
- Reduce cargo transit times
- Improve schedule reliability
- Strengthen India–Northeast Asia trade
- Support exporters with additional shipping options
- Enhance connectivity to Pakistan and Middle Eastern markets
Key Highlights
- CU Lines launches the new KCI (Korea–China–India) Weekly Service.
- Maiden sailing begins on July 16, 2026, from Busan, South Korea.
- Direct calls at Nhava Sheva and Mundra strengthen India's maritime connectivity.
- Service links South Korea, China, Malaysia, India, and Pakistan.
- Port rotation includes Busan, Gwangyang, Shanghai, Ningbo, Shekou, Port Klang, Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Karachi, and back to Busan.
- Provides onward connectivity to the Middle East, Red Sea, and East Mediterranean.
- CU Lines deploys the 6,700 TEU container vessel MV RACINE.
- Expected to improve supply chain reliability and support growing India–Northeast Asia trade.
FAQs
What is the CU Lines KCI Service?
The KCI Service is a new weekly container shipping route launched by CU Lines connecting South Korea, China, Malaysia, India, and Pakistan through direct port calls.
When will the KCI Weekly Service start?
The inaugural sailing is scheduled to depart from Busan on July 16, 2026.
Which Indian ports are included in the KCI Service?
The service will directly call at Nhava Sheva (JNPA) and Mundra Port, two of India’s largest container gateways.
What vessel will CU Lines deploy on the service?
CU Lines will deploy the 6,700 TEU MV RACINE as part of the KCI weekly service.
How does the KCI service benefit shippers?
The service improves transit reliability, expands direct connectivity between Northeast Asia and India, and provides onward access to the Middle East, Red Sea, and East Mediterranean through Port Klang.
