APL, Singapore-based Neptune Orient Lines’ container shipping arm, together with Cosco and PIL, is to launch new service
APL, Singapore-based Neptune Orient Lines’ container shipping arm, together with Cosco and PIL, is to launch a weekly service between China and Australia using five ships of about 2,900 TEU capacity.
The China Australia Service (CAS) will offer direct calls at Qingdao, which is a major hub in the Bohai Bay area, as well as the Yangtze River Delta gateways of Ningbo and Shanghai. Moreover, the service also covers the primary Australian east coast destinations of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
APL says the vessels will have significant refrigerated and climate-controlled cargo handling capabilities to service the growing demand for fresh produce in the trade.
“China’s growth continues to exceed expectations and its trade with Australia is becoming increasingly important,” said APL Greater China President, Dan Ryan. “Calls at Qingdao and Ningbo provide fast access to all key Chinese production and sourcing locations. Also, our efficient relay service provides the CAS with reach to other core Asian markets such as Japan, Korea, Taiwan as well as the Americas.”