Wan Hai Launches Tamil Nadu–Thailand Express to Boost Intra-Asia Trade

Wan Hai Lines has officially launched its Tamil Nadu–Thailand Express (TTX), a new direct shipping service connecting Vietnam, Thailand, and India. The maiden calls were made at Chennai and Visakhapatnam on May 5 and 6, respectively, marked by an inaugural ceremony attended by Wan Hai officials and local terminal partners.

The TTX service operates on a fixed 28-day rotation using four 2,200 TEU vessels. The complete port rotation includes: Cai Lai – Laem Chabang – Singapore – Port Klang (North) – Chennai – Visakhapatnam – Port Klang (North) – Singapore – Cai Lai. The inaugural sailing was performed by the WAN HAI 317, which departed from Cai Lai Port on April 20.

This service marks a strategic expansion for Wan Hai in India, where the carrier has operated for nearly three decades, covering the country’s east, west, and southern coasts. With TTX, Wan Hai enhances its presence in key industrial regions such as Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, offering exporters and importers a more reliable and efficient cargo solution. Wan Hai stated that India’s growing role as a manufacturing and consumption hub calls for stronger regional connectivity. The TTX service reinforces their Southeast Asia–South Asia network and highlights their ongoing investment in high-growth corridors.

The launch comes amid rising nearshoring and supply chain diversification trends, which are driving demand for robust intra-Asia shipping services. By offering direct links between key production hubs in Vietnam, Thailand, and India, the TTX service reduces dependency on indirect transhipment routes, ensuring faster delivery times and better reliability.

From an operational standpoint, the inclusion of both Chennai and Visakhapatnam broadens Wan Hai’s East India port coverage and provides greater routing flexibility. With strategic transhipment points at Singapore and Port Klang, the service is well-integrated into Wan Hai’s wider Asia–Europe and intra-Asia network. As part of its long-term South Asia strategy, Wan Hai plans to further expand capacity, strengthen port partnerships, and invest in infrastructure to support the region’s evolving role in global supply chains.