Singapore-based container shipping company APL, part of CMA CGM, plans to launch the India East Coast Express (IEX) service, a new weekly service connecting North Asia to India, starting from mid-December.

APL said the new IEX service offers coverage of the China market with three port calls in Qingdao, Shanghai and Shekou.

In addition, the service is intended for direct cargo shipments from Singapore and Malaysia to the Philippines.

Port rotation of the IEX service will be as follows: Busan (South Korea), Qingdao, Shanghai, Shekou (China), Singapore (Singapore), Port Klang (West) (Malaysia), Chennai (India), Port Klang, Singapore, Manila (Philippines), Busan.

The first sailing will commence from Busan on December 15, 2016, according to APL.