Singapore's APL and Hong Kong's OOCL have entered into a co-operation deal with CMA CGM and Maersk Line on three existing Far East to Indian subcontinent services (CIMEX 2/FM3, CIX, CIX3) which take effect from February, according to the Shipping Gazette.
In a slot sharing agreement that also includes Emirates Shipping Line, Hamburg Sud and Regional Container Lines, 18 vessels will be deployed with a total capacity of 17,500 TEU.
This enhanced network will offer three sailings a week covering Korea, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan compared to one weekly sailing currently offered by each company.
The deal will provide more frequent sailings between Asia's major hubs minimise routes duplication on this trade, the carrier statement said.
CIMEX 2-N (North Loop) service, operated by CMA CGM and Maersk, will rotate through Tianjin, Dalian, Qingdao, Kwangyang, Busan, Ningbo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tanjung Pelepas, Colombo, Pipavav, Nhava Sheva, Port Qasim, Singapore and back to Tianjin.
CIMEX 2-C (Central Loop), operated by Hamburg Sud, OOCL and Regional Container Lines, will rotate through Shanghai, Ningbo, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Singapore, Colombo, Nhava Sheva, Pipavav, Port Kelang, Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai.
CIMEX 2-S (South Loop) operated by APL, Emirates Shipping Line and OOCL, will rotate through Guangzhou-Nansha, Shenzhen-Chiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Colombo, Nhava Sheva, Pipavav, Colombo, Port Kelang, Singapore and back to Nansha.