GT LINES, the container shipping division of UAE-based Gulftainer Group, has partnered with Chinese carriers to operate two direct China–Khorfakkan shipping routes. The arrangements include an upgraded KCX 1 service in a five-vessel consortium and cooperation with CULines on the KCX 5 service. Both services are scheduled to begin in early November 2026.
GT LINES, the container shipping division of UAE-based Gulftainer Group, has formed partnerships with leading Chinese carriers to bolster trade connectivity between Asia and the Middle East. The collaboration introduces a five-vessel consortium on the KCX 1 service alongside Zhong Gu, Sea Legend, and Ningbo Ocean, plus joint cooperation with CULines on the KCX 5 service. All arrangements are scheduled to begin in early November 2026.
Historically high freight yields are spurring container lines to launch dedicated services between India and Middle East ports, with UAE gateways such as Khor Fakkan seeing increased traffic. Danish carrier Maersk has deployed a new shuttle between India's Nhava Sheva and Khor Fakkan, while Chinese line CULines is planning an Asia-Middle East service. Ongoing overland cross-border transport bottlenecks and port congestion continue to elevate regional spot rates and trigger fresh carrier surcharges.
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