Hai An Container Transport has launched Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) services connecting Vietnam with Chennai and Kolkata, expanding its presence in the Indian container shipping market.
The new services give exporters, importers and freight forwarders an additional option for moving containerised cargo between Vietnam and eastern and southern India. They are also expected to improve routing flexibility and strengthen logistics connectivity along the growing Vietnam–India trade corridor.
Important Points
- Hai An has launched NVOCC services between Vietnam and India.
- The services cover Chennai and Kolkata, two important ports on India’s east coast.
- Chennai provides access to southern India’s manufacturing and industrial markets.
- Kolkata connects shippers with eastern India and its wider hinterland.
- Samsara Shipping Private Limited represents Hai An as its General Shipping Agent in India.
- Hai An currently owns a fleet of 20 container vessels.
- Its newbuilding programme includes four 3,000-TEU vessels and four approximately 7,000-TEU vessels.
- The additional vessels are expected to be delivered through 2028 and 2029.
- Hai An is ranked among the world’s Top 100 container shipping lines.
- Sailing frequency, transit times and port rotation details have not yet been disclosed.
New Vietnam–India Container Shipping Option
The launch extends Hai An’s network into two strategically important Indian markets.
Chennai is a major gateway for southern India and supports cargo generated by automotive, engineering, electronics, textiles and other manufacturing sectors. Kolkata provides maritime access to eastern India and connects with an extensive regional hinterland.
By covering both ports, Hai An can serve businesses across two different cargo markets while offering freight forwarders and cargo owners another NVOCC option on the Vietnam–India route.
Service detail
Information
Operator
Hai An Container Transport
Service type
NVOCC container service
Origin market
Vietnam
Indian ports
Chennai and Kolkata
Primary cargo
Containerised imports and exports
Indian representative
Samsara Shipping Private Limited
Current owned fleet
20 vessels
Expansion strategy
Long-term growth in India and intra-Asia markets
How the Service Supports Regional Trade
The service could help businesses move containerised goods between Vietnam and India with greater flexibility. Additional NVOCC capacity may allow shippers to compare routing options, container availability, schedules and freight rates before selecting a service.
The connection may support cargo flows involving:
- Machinery and engineering goods
- Electronics and electrical equipment
- Textiles and garments
- Chemicals and industrial materials
- Consumer products
- Agricultural and processed food products
Actual cargo acceptance will depend on Hai An’s operating conditions and individual booking requirements.
Vietnam–India Cargo Connectivity
Fleet Expansion Could Support a Larger Asian Network
Hai An currently operates 20 owned vessels and is expanding its fleet through two newbuilding programmes.
Newbuilding programme
Planned vessels
Capacity per vessel
Expected delivery
Programme 1
4
3,000 TEU
Through the end of 2028
Programme 2
4
Approximately 7,000–7,100 TEU
Through the end of 2029
Combined pipeline
8
—
2028–2029
The new capacity could give Hai An greater flexibility to extend its network, increase service coverage and pursue further opportunities within the intra-Asia container shipping market.
Hai An is Vietnam’s largest domestic shipping line and is listed among the world’s Top 100 container carriers. Its expansion into India supports the company’s longer-term goal of becoming a stronger regional carrier across Southeast Asia and the wider Asian market.
Samsara Shipping to Represent Hai An in India
Samsara Shipping Private Limited will serve as Hai An’s General Shipping Agent in India.
The agency will support the carrier’s local commercial and operational activities, including engagement with exporters, importers, freight forwarders and other logistics stakeholders. This local representation will be important as Hai An develops its customer base and evaluates further opportunities in India.
Why This Development Matters to Freight Forwarders
The entry of another regional operator can increase the number of available shipping options between Vietnam and India. Freight forwarders may gain access to additional capacity and alternative routing arrangements for customers trading with southern and eastern India.
However, the practical value of the service will depend on factors such as sailing frequency, transit time, transshipment arrangements, equipment availability and freight rates. These operational details were not included in the initial announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What service has Hai An launched in India?
Hai An Container Transport has launched NVOCC services connecting Vietnam with Chennai and Kolkata.
Which Indian ports are included?
The services include Chennai Port in southern India and Kolkata Port in eastern India.
Is Hai An operating its own vessels directly between Vietnam and India?
Hai An announced an NVOCC connection between the markets. The initial announcement did not specify whether every movement would operate as a direct sailing or involve transshipment.
Who represents Hai An Container Transport in India?
Samsara Shipping Private Limited represents Hai An as its General Shipping Agent in India.
How many vessels does Hai An own?
According to the service announcement, Hai An has a fleet of 20 owned container vessels.
What does NVOCC mean?
An NVOCC is a logistics operator that sells ocean freight services, issues its own transport documents and arranges cargo space with vessel-operating carriers without necessarily operating the vessel used for each shipment.
How could this service benefit exporters and importers?
It could provide another container shipping option, improve routing flexibility and support cargo movement between Vietnam and southern and eastern India.
