Wan Hai Lines is expanding its Indian market presence with the launch of a new direct service connecting Vietnam, southern China, Malaysia and western India, scheduled to commence in late November 2026 . The CI8 service will deploy container ships with capacities of 2,800 to 3,000 TEUs on a 35-day rotation, according to the company's announcement .
The port rotation covers Haiphong in Vietnam, Qinzhou and Nansha in southern China, Shekou in Shenzhen, Port Klang in Malaysia, Mundra and Nhava Sheva in western India, before returning via Port Klang to Haiphong . This sequence is designed to capture cargo from multiple manufacturing and transshipment nodes across East and Southeast Asia, feeding into India's two largest container gateways on the west coast. The inclusion of both Mundra and Nhava Sheva ensures coverage of India's primary private and public port complexes, providing shippers with options depending on their hinterland connections.
The timing of the launch reflects a recovery in intra-Asia shipping demand. Wan Hai reported consolidated revenue of NT$21.8 billion (approximately US$669 million) in September 2026, a 97.63% increase year-on-year, while revenue for the first nine months reached NT$136.2 billion, up 27.28% annually . The company stated that shipping demand has recovered more strongly than in previous years following China's National Day holiday in early October, as manufacturing and shipping activities gradually resume .
A notable behavioural shift is supporting the demand recovery. Cargo owners are arranging shipments earlier than usual to reduce supply chain uncertainty caused by port congestion, shipping delays and fluctuating fuel costs, according to Wan Hai . This front-loading of orders creates volume spikes that can benefit carriers with available capacity, and it suggests that shippers are prioritising reliability over just-in-time inventory management in the current environment.
The fourth quarter is traditionally a peak season for intra-Asia short-sea shipping. With cargo volumes continuing to grow and freight rates remaining at relatively favourable levels, Wan Hai expects its operating momentum to remain stable through the remainder of the year . The CI8 service positions the carrier to capture seasonal demand while also establishing a permanent presence on the India route, which has become more strategically important as global supply chains diversify away from China-centric manufacturing.
For India's container logistics sector, the new service adds capacity and competition on the west coast. Wan Hai joins a growing list of intra-Asia carriers serving Indian ports, including regional operators and the mainline carriers that deploy feeder services. The direct link to Haiphong and South China is particularly relevant for Indian importers of electronics, machinery and intermediate goods, as well as exporters of agricultural products and chemicals seeking access to Vietnamese and Chinese markets.
The service also reflects the broader pattern of intra-Asia trade growth that has emerged during the disruption to longer-haul routes. As Red Sea diversions and Hormuz security concerns have complicated Asia-Europe and Asia-Middle East shipping, intra-Asian trade has become relatively more attractive for carriers seeking stable utilisation and freight rates. Wan Hai's investment in the India route is a bet that this regional demand will persist beyond the immediate crisis.
Looking ahead, the success of the CI8 service will depend on cargo uptake at each port call, schedule reliability on the 35-day rotation, and the carrier's ability to compete with established operators on the India–Southeast Asia corridor. Wan Hai has not disclosed the specific vessel names or the exact start date beyond "late November." For Indian shippers, the new service provides additional options for connecting with East Asian supply chains, and for Wan Hai, it represents a further step in building a durable India presence.