ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. (ZIM) and HAI AN Transport and Stevedoring Joint-stock Company (HATS) have announced a new joint venture to provide domestic shipping services in Vietnam.
The new joint venture, Lotus Link, will leverage the global, regional and local expertise of both companies to serve major ports such as Ho Chi Minh, Danang, and Haiphong, as well as satellite provinces and hinterlands where direct access to international and domestic shipping services is currently limited.
The new venture aims to benefit Vietnamese manufacturers, importers and exporters.
Lotus Link will also provide landside logistics services, such as trucking and customs brokerage services, as an extension of its shipping services to customers.
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“With the rapid expansion of manufacturing activities to satellite provinces, this joint venture provides ZIM with the operational flexibility to extend its reach and expand the scope of services offered to its customers,” said Abraham Elias, ZIM Vietnam Country Manager.
“We hope to support the development of industries by providing valuable access to international markets through ZIM’s global coverage.”
HATS, which is headquartered in Haiphong and listed on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange, has been actively involved in domestic shipping in Vietnam for over a decade and is currently one of the largest liners in the country.
It is also involved in a variety of marine and logistics-related activities, including terminal operations, offshore services, shipping agency, container depot operations, and warehousing.
Lotus Link is scheduled to debut its initial service in March, utilising Vietnamese flagged vessels for both local and international trades.
The joint venture intends to broaden its reach in Ho Chi Minh City and Danang later this year.
