Neptune_Odyssey_rampGreek short-sea shipping provider Neptune Lines has officially launched its new Middle East service, connecting United Arab Emirates (UAE) ports with the wider region.

Neptune Lines is running the service between the UAE ports of Jebel Ali and Khalifa and the following: Shuwaikh (Kuwait), Umm Qasr (Iraq), Bandar Abbas (Iran), Sohar (Oman), Dammam (Saudi Arabia), Hamad (Qatar) and Khalifa Bin Salman (Bahrain). The company said it would also operate alternative routes, subject to demand and availability.

The service is being supported by NMT Shipping, Neptune Lines’ commercial agent in the region.

Speaking at a reception in Dubai to mark the official start of the service, Neptune Lines’ CEO and president Melina Travlos said the company was creating a sea bridge dedicated to the automotive trade and aimed at boosting vehicle trade. She said the service would offer reliable, on-time deliveries.

“We are committed to contributing to this region our pioneering expertise and professionalism alongside our pledge for excellent quality shipping services,” said Travlos.

Neptune Lines provides ocean transport for manufacturers and shippers of passenger and commercial vehicles along with high and heavy cargo. It operates a regular liner service to more than 30 ports in 18 countries within the Mediterranean basin, ranging from the Atlantic ports of Vigo and Casablanca to the Black Sea. It uses 16 pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs), of which 15 are owned, with a capacity ranging from 530-3,800 medium-sized cars.