Shippers rationalise Asia–South America trade

Sling 1 will be operated with 10 vessels of 4,200 teu capacity, with a revised rotation of Yokohama, Pusan, Shanghai, Ningbo, Hong Kong, Manzanillo, Lazaro Cardenas, Puerto Quetzal, Buenaventura, Guayaquil, Iquique, Mejillones, Valparaiso, Lirquen, Lazaro Cardenas and Yokohama.

Sling 2 will be operated with 10 vessels of 3,500 teu capacity, with a rotation of Keelung, Hong Kong, Chiwan, Shanghai, Ningbo, Busan, Yokohama, Manzanillo, Buenaventura, Callao, Mejillones/Antofagasta, Valparaiso, San Vicente, Manzanillo and Keelung.

The resulting two-sling service will provide comprehensive coverage, according to the companies, though total capacity will be reduced by 2,500 teu per week from February 24 through to August 2009. Hamburg Süd, CCNI and MSC will review trade prospects in June 2009 and should the situation improve sufficiently to warrant additional capacity, will then revert to their original service set-up.