Russia's Far Eastern Shipping Co (Fesco) and Canada-based Contship Containerlines have reached a vessel-sharing agreement on services between North America and Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific islands. From November, and subject to United States regulatory approval, Contship Containerlines would gain access to slots on the fixed-day weekly service of Fesco Australia North America Line via the US West Coast. In return, Fesco would secure slots on Contship Containerlines' 10-day-frequency service off the US East Coast. Aspi Rostami, vice-president and general manager of Fesco Agencies Inc Seattle, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fesco, Vladivostok, said: 'We are proud to be a partner with Contship Containerlines, which is offering a premium southbound service from the US East Coast to Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific islands with modern tonnage very similar to that which Fesco offers on the West Coast.' He said the agreement enabled Fesco to offer improved services from the US and Canadian East Coast and for both lines to reduce costs. David Halliday, chief executive of Contship Containerlines, said the deal offered it a cost-effective entrance into the US West Coast trade. 'Fesco is a very strong partner with an excellent reputation.'
