Members of the G6 Alliance announced today that their groundbreaking cooperation in Asia-Europe container shipping will begin operation in the first week of March – one month ahead of schedule.
“We are eager to roll out our competitive products to benefit customers by offering a comprehensive and increased coverage of 40 ports in the Asia-Europe market with more sailing frequency,” the members said in a statement. “Customer response to the G6 Alliance is strong, the latest economic condition in the trade supports the timing of the launch, and we are ready to meet the market’s expectations.”
The G6 Alliance, serving the Asia-to-Europe-and-Mediterranean market was announced last December. The G6 Alliance members are the carriers in the Grand Alliance and New World Alliance: APL, Hapag-Lloyd AG, Hyundai Merchant Marine, Mitsui O.S.K Lines, Nippon Yusen Kaisha and Orient Overseas Container Line.
The G6 Alliance will launch six services between Asia and North Europe in the first week of March. Those serving Japanese ports will commence after completion of consultations with the Japan Harbor Transportation Association and labor unions.
A seventh service will follow when it can be supported by sustainable trade conditions. The service will provide direct coverage to the Bohai Bay ports in Dalian and Xingang.
The G6 Alliance will continue the existing Asia-Mediterranean Express Service (EUM) and will also launch a new Asia-Black Sea Express Service (ABX) in the first week of April.
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World Maritime News Staff, February 8, 2012