Four ocean carriers will introduce a new intra-Asia joint service in November.
The four—CMA CGM, China Shipping Container Lines (CSCL), Orient Overseas Container Lines (OOCL), and Pacific International Lines (PIL)—have joined forces to launch the Northeast Asia-Australia/New Zealand trade starting from Shanghai in early November.
The new service will be operated with seven vessels of 4,250-TEU capacity, of which three vessels will be provided by CMA CGM, two vessels by OOCL, one vessel by CSCL and PIL, and one ship by CSCL and PIL, while ANL will remain a slot charterer.
The service will be replacing the current ANZEX/NZN service operated by CMA CGM and OOCL.
The weekly service will turn around in 49 days, offering an extensive port coverage in Asia and New Zealand and including a stop in an Australian port on her way from Asia.
The line aims to provide customers with “direct, reliable and competitive service to both southbound and northbound legs through this cooperation,” according to a joint statement from the group.
CMA CGM to up rates
At the same time, CMA CGM announced a general rate restoration for its Asia-North Europe/Mediterranean westbound service effective September 1.
The rate hike will cover dry cargo, OOGs, paying empties, break-bulk, and reefer cargo from all Asian ports (including Japan, Southeast Asia, and Bangladesh) to all Northern European ports (including UK and the full range from Portugal to Russia) and Mediterranean (including North Africa and Black Sea ports).
The new rates will be higher by US$550 per TEU, except for Syria, where applied rates will increase by EUR425 per TEU.
A two-tier rate restoration is also impending on trades covering all Asian ports to Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and West India.
CMA CGM said that effective September 1, all westbound cargo from all Asian ports to Sri Lanka, Pakistan and West India will see a hike in rates of $100 per 20-foot container and $150 per 40-foot unit.
Moreover, another rate increase will be implemented from September 15 on the same trade route.
Thus, all westbound cargo from all Asian ports to Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and West India will have a rate increase of $100 per 20-foot unit and $150 per 40-foot unit from mid-September.
Wan Hai’s new Malaysia-Belawan swing
On the other hand, Wan Hai Lines is launching a new weekly service between Malaysia and Belawan, Indonesia, on August 26.
The independent MBS service will be operated by one container vessel with 1,200-TEU capacity and have a seven-day voyage, making calls at Penang, Port Klang, Belawan, and back to Penang.
The MBS is Wan Hai Line’s first direct service to Belawan, and will take over the current slot purchase arrangement.
Photo: Abaconda
