Peter T. Leach, Senior Editor | Dec 07, 2011 8:21AM EST
APL plans to tie up with MOL as a slot operator on the Japanese carrier’s intra-Asian service between Japan, Thailand and the Philippines.
APL said Wednesday the new service, named the Japan-Thailand-Philippine service, will enhance its coverage of Japanese ports, in particular those of Tokyo, Yokohama, Shimizu and Nagoya.
The link-up between APL and MOL continues a trend toward the consolidation of services among carriers on a trail blazed by Mediterranean Shipping Co. and CMA CGM, which are consolidating services on key global routes, including Asia-Europe, starting in March.
“Introducing the weekly JTP service will strengthen APL’s Intra-Asia shortsea network and better serve key production and consumption markets in the region,” said Jason Wong, APL Vice President for Intra-Asia Trade.
The port rotation for the JTP service will be: Tokyo, Yokohama, Shimizu, Nagoya, Pusan, Laem Chabang, Manila and back to Tokyo. The first sailing will commence from Tokyo on Dec. 10 with the MOL Sparkle.
-- Contact Peter T. Leach at pleach@joc.com. Follow him on Twitter @petertleach.
