Far east-to-Europe ocean service

Six leading container shipping lines have agreed to create one of the largest vessel networks in the Far East-to-Europe trade lane. The comprehensive agreement will bring together members of The New World and Grand alliances to create The G6 Alliance. New World Alliance members are APL, Hyundai Merchant Marine, and Mitsui O.S.K Lines. Grand Alliance members are Hapag-Lloyd AG, Nippon Yusen Kaisha, and Orient Overseas Container Line.

The new partnership will create one of the leading networks in the Far East-to-Europe and Far East-to-Mediterranean container shipping markets, with more than 90 ships in nine services calling at more than 40 ports in Asia, Europe, and the Mediterranean.

The new alliance is scheduled to begin operation by April 2012 with seven joint services operating between Asia and Europe and two services to the Mediterranean. Member carriers said the new alliance would be characterized by fast transit times, broad port coverage, and the latest vessels, with capacities of up to 14,000 TEUs.

Company: APL

Company URL: www.apl.com