DOHA, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Qatar has launched a new service from South Korean shipping line Hyundai Merchant Marine to boost its trade connection with several ports in Asia despite the ongoing blockade, Qatar local media reported Sunday.

In a statement released by Hamad port official website Saturday evening, it mentioned that the new service is to be operated weekly, with a capacity of 13,154 TEUs.

It also said the new service would cover major Asian ports.

''Starting a new direct service from one of Asia's largest shipping lines to Hamad Port, would help in enhancing customer options and providing fast and secure solutions to local and international import/export companies with less transit time and lower cost,'' the director of Hamad Port Capt Abdul Aziz al-Yafei said.

In early June, Saudi Arabia and its allies including Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt imposed a blockade on Qatar and cut all the diplomatic ties and all transport links with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorist groups. But all the accusations have been strongly denied by Doha.

Qatar has launched a number of new trade routes, and Turkey and Iran stepped up food shipments to offset shortages, especially fresh food.