The newly launched Bengal-Middle East Express (BMEX) service has established a crucial maritime link between the Haldia Dock Complex in West Bengal and Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates. This service marks a development in the trade corridor between eastern India and the Middle East, promising enhanced connectivity and streamlined logistics for exporters and importers.
Operated by the shipping line Bengal Tiger Line (BTL), the BMEX service is designed to cater to the growing demand for direct shipping routes from India’s eastern coast to the Middle East. The service, which commenced operations in August 2024, offers a direct and efficient route for cargo, significantly reducing transit times compared to existing transhipment options.
The Haldia Dock Complex, a key port in India’s eastern maritime infrastructure, is strategically positioned to serve the industrial and agricultural sectors of West Bengal, Odisha, and the northeastern states. With the introduction of the BMEX service, businesses in these regions can now access faster shipping solutions, potentially reducing costs and improving supply chain efficiency.
Jebel Ali Port, one of the largest and busiest ports in the Middle East, serves as a major hub for global trade, connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. The BMEX service is expected to facilitate the movement of a wide range of goods, including textiles, chemicals, machinery, and agricultural products, between India and the UAE. This new connection is also likely to boost trade with other GCC countries, leveraging Jebel Ali’s status as a regional transhipment hub.
The BMEX service features a weekly sailing schedule, providing regular and reliable connections for exporters and importers. The first vessel under this service was received with a warm welcome at Haldia, with port authorities and stakeholders expressing optimism about the potential benefits for the region’s trade and economy.