Ocean Network Express Reinstates India Shipping Service
The service split forces logistics operators to shift cargo bookings between newly segmented Asia-to-Subcontinent routes.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Transportation
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Ocean Network Express reinstated its Thailand-India-Pakistan (TIP) shipping service in October 2026 after previously integrating it into the Japan-Thailand-Vietnam-Indian Subcontinent (JTI) route in April 2026. This move necessitates a fleet redistribution that affects logistics operators relying on these specific Asia-to-Subcontinent corridors.
Why it matters
The decoupling of these routes recalibrates vessel capacity and port coverage, forcing shippers to reassess their lead times and logistics planning for the Indian Subcontinent. These changes reflect an ongoing strategy to re-segment regional trade lanes to better align vessel deployment with specific market demand.
The TIP service now deploys five 5,000 TEU vessels, while the JTI service operates four 4,500 TEU vessels following the removal of its Indian Subcontinent coverage. The extent of total TEU capacity shift remains undetermined.
The players
Ocean Network Express
A global container shipping line that operates a large fleet of vessels and provides integrated logistics services.
X-Press Feeders
An independent common carrier that provides feeder services and connects regional ports to global ocean shipping networks.
The details
The service reconfiguration splits the JTI and TIP routes, meaning the JTI line will no longer provide direct Indian Subcontinent coverage. To facilitate this, X-Press Feeders is shifting its slot allocation from the JTI service to the reinstated TIP route. The TIP rotation now connects Laem Chabang, Singapore, Port Klang, Nhava Sheva, Pipavav, Karachi, and Colombo, creating a more specialized flow for regional importers.
Timeline
April 2026: TIP was integrated into the JTI service.
October 2026: The TIP service was officially reinstated.
December 2026: Busan and Manila will be added to the JTI rotation.
Market Landscape
This service reinstatement follows the broader industry pattern of firms adjusting loop coverage to refine capacity and port rotations in response to evolving regional trade demand. These moves underscore a shift toward segmenting specialized regional lanes from broader, multi-region circuits.
Logistics managers should audit their existing shipping contracts to ensure routing remains compatible with the new split between JTI and TIP services. Specifically, those with active bookings on the JTI route should verify if their cargo requires the newly separated Indian Subcontinent coverage.
The takeaway
Realigning logistics networks often creates short-term friction in port connectivity and transit times for international shippers. Operators should track the December 2026 JTI rotation expansion to identify whether further capacity shifts will impact their regional supply chain reliability.
What happens next
The JTI service is scheduled to add Busan and Manila to its rotation in December 2026.
Further reading
Operators can find more information on industry shifts within the Transportation section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Container News.
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