3PL/Logistics

DHL has opened its new ocean freight terminal in Cochin, India, and launched its weekly direct LCL Consol services connecting Cochin to Europe, North America and emerging markets via DHL's multinational gateway in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Operated by DHL's in-house carrier, Danmar Lines, the new service from Cochin via Colombo offers reliable services and cuts transit times by up to three days

Cochin is a major port on the west coast of India and is gaining prominence as an important gateway for India's trade Cochin serves not just the state of Kerala, but also the neighbouring states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, all of which are witnessing high growth rates in foreign trade

With nearly all key infrastructure projects linked to the setting up of its transhipment terminal being close to completion, Cochin is expected to become a major hub of maritime export and import trade, and port authorities expect to handle 600,000 TEU in the first year and three million TEU by 2014