Taiwan's Evergreen is to start a weekly, fixed-day service in May between ports on the east coasts of North America and South America.
The service also will carry Asian and European cargoes to South America, transshipping at Evergreen's new Colon Container Terminal (CCT) in Panama.
Evergreen Marine Corp (Taiwan) president George Hsu said while the carrier was aware of the enormous competition in this market, the company felt the time was right for entry into the trade.
He said customers in Asia and Europe were taking advantage of the positive global economy and sought service in the market. The decision on South American routes came after studies held over the past three years.
Evergreen plans to introduce a pendulum service connecting Asia, South Africa, South America and North America late next year.
Southbound vessels will call at New York, Baltimore, Savannah, Miami and CCT.