THE Grand Alliance grouping comprising Hapag Lloyd, Neptune Orient Lines, Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) and P&O Containers says its service between Europe and Asia will start in June and comprise four loops operated by 34 vessels.
The service will form part of the Grand Alliance's services covering the main East-West trades.
The service, with four fixed-day sailings per week, is expected to provide customers with several opportunities to ship their cargo. Loops A and B will provide direct links between major Japanese ports and Europe with direct calls at Southampton, Hamburg, Rotterdam, Antwerp and Le Havre.
These two loops will also feature Asian port calls including those at Singapore, Hong Kong, Busan, Kaohsiung and Port Kelang.
Loop A will make east-bound port calls at Jeddah and Colombo with nine 4,400 to 4,700 20-foot equivalent unit (teu) vessels.
Loop B will make a mid-Mediterranean hub call to serve the surrounding market with nine 3,600 to 4,000 teu vessels.