Singapore, June 1: Feeder operator Inter Pacific Shipping will be plying a new weekly, fixed day service between Singapore-Port Klang-Tuticorin from today (Sunday.)

Speaking to The Financial Express, managing director of Inter Pacific Gabrijel Kobal revealed that the company, a British-Slovanian joint venture, was incorporated in Singapore only this January. It currently has a fleet of three ships — two of which would operate on the new route between Singapore, Port Klang in Malaysia and Tuticorin. One of the ships would shuttle between Colombo and Tuticorin. Utilising two modern 500 teu (20-ft equivalent unit) vessels on long-term charter, Inter Pacific Shipping will be the first line to ply the Singapore-Port Klang-Tuticorin route. It also operates a twice-weekly feeder service between Colombo and Tuticorin using a 200-TEU vessel.

Kobal said Tuticorin would be a brand new destination from Singapore and Port Klang and that it was a route not yet tapped by other operators. At present, cargo from Tuticorin destined for Singapore or Port Klang has to be feedered via Colombo. ``We hope to provide a feeder service for major operators like Evergreen, Neptune Orient Lines, and so on,'' he said.

Kobal, who had spent three-four years in Chennai when he was working with Gen Shipping company said the decision to tap the new route had been taken after a careful study of the market here, which he was quite familiar with.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.