OOCL adds Port Klang–Vizag–Chennai service from 22 November

Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) will launch its Far East–Chennai Service 4 (FCS4) on 22 November 2026, adding a direct container shipping connection between Malaysia’s Port Klang and the Indian ports of Visakhapatnam and Chennai. Announced on 6 November, the service expands the carrier’s offering for cargo moving between Malaysia and India’s east coast.

The new loop brings two Indian gateways into a compact three-port rotation. OOCL said the service is intended to improve routing flexibility, connectivity and reliability for customers trading between the two markets.

What is the FCS4 port rotation?

The announced rotation is:

Port Klang – Visakhapatnam (Vizag) – Chennai – Port Klang

Under this sequence, vessels will call at Visakhapatnam before Chennai on the India-bound leg, then return to Port Klang. The Malaysian port is identified as Port Kelang in OOCL’s announcement.

The carrier has confirmed the launch date and port sequence but has not specified sailing frequency, transit times, deployed capacity or the inaugural vessel. Terminal assignments and individual port-call dates were also absent from the announcement.

These operational details will determine how exporters and importers incorporate FCS4 into shipment planning, including cargo readiness, documentation and inland transport arrangements.

How does FCS4 build on OOCL’s Chennai network?

OOCL has previously developed services connecting Chennai with Southeast Asian and Chinese ports. In August 2025, it announced a revision to its FCS3 service with a westbound routing through Nansha, Shekou, Laem Chabang and Port Klang before Chennai.

That earlier advisory identified Westports at Port Klang and Chennai Container Terminal as the relevant terminals for FCS3. It also provided port-specific schedules and cargo cut-off information.

The FCS3 announcement provides background to OOCL’s established Chennai connections. Its terminal arrangements and transit times should not be assumed to apply to the newly announced FCS4 loop, for which those details have yet to be published.

What other India services has OOCL introduced this year?

The FCS4 announcement follows another addition to OOCL’s India network in June 2026.

Its Southeast Asia–Indian Subcontinent Service 2 (SIS2), introduced on 4 June, established a direct connection between Haiphong in Vietnam and western India, while linking ports in China, Vietnam and Singapore.

The announced SIS2 rotation was Qinzhou – Yangpu – Haiphong – Singapore – Mundra – Singapore – Hong Kong – Qinzhou. FCS4 adds an east-coast connection to the carrier’s service developments during the year, with a specific focus on Malaysia, Visakhapatnam and Chennai.

How is OOCL’s wider group expanding in Port Klang?

Separately, OOCL Logistics has expanded its container-support infrastructure in Malaysia. In August, it announced the establishment of OOCL Infinity Depot (M) Sdn Bhd, a joint venture with Infinity Logistics & Transport Sdn Bhd.

The depot began operations in February 2026 within Westports. Covering approximately 217,800 square feet, it offers storage capacity of up to 3,200 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

Services include container handling, storage, repair, maintenance and repositioning. OOCL Logistics reported monthly throughput of approximately 10,000 TEUs by June and yard utilisation of around 66%.

The depot investment is a separate development from FCS4, but provides context for the group’s growing operational presence at Port Klang.

For Indian shippers, the immediate development is the additional direct service scheduled for late November. OOCL has directed customers to its local sales representatives for further information. Confirmation of the detailed sailing programme will establish the booking and cargo-delivery arrangements for the new loop.