MSC Extends Shikra Service to Middle East
The revised India-linked container service now calls at Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates and Sohar in Oman.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Middle East
MSC has extended its Far East-India Shikra service by adding calls at Khor Fakkan and Sohar. The service now links major Chinese ports, Singapore, India and the Gulf with a deployment of 15 containerships.
Why it matters
The change gives shippers direct access to two Middle Eastern container gateways alongside existing Far East and Indian calls. It expands the service's coverage beyond its previous Far East-India routing.
The service deploys 15 containerships with capacities ranging from approximately 14,000 to 24,300 TEU. The source provides no information on transit times or sailing frequency for the extended rotation.
The players
MSC
Mediterranean Shipping Company is one of the world's largest container shipping lines, operating a global network of liner services.
The details
The revised rotation runs from Dalian through Tianjin, Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo and Nansha, then Singapore, Nhava Sheva and Mundra, before adding Khor Fakkan and Sohar and returning to Dalian. The extension provides direct connections between Chinese ports, Singapore, India and the Gulf.
Timeline
November 7, 2026: MSC's Shikra service extension to the Middle East was announced.
Roadmap
The extension places Khor Fakkan and Sohar on a service that previously linked only the Far East and India. It reflects continued growth of Gulf ports as transshipment and connection points between Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
Shippers moving cargo between China, Singapore, India and the Gulf now have a service that calls directly at Khor Fakkan and Sohar. Travelers and businesses planning Gulf logistics should check MSC for updated sailing schedules.
The takeaway
The Shikra extension shows Gulf ports taking a larger role in regional container connections. Businesses reliant on Asia-India-Gulf shipping should watch for schedule details from MSC.
Further reading
For more on Gulf destinations, see Middle East travel.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Container News.
