TS Lines, Gold Star launch China-Mideast loop November 27

TWO Hong Kong carriers, TS Lines (TSL) and Gold Star Line, are to offer a joint China-Middle East service covering southeast region with first sailing offered by a 3,534-TEU ship from TSL on November 27.

The new service calls at Xingang, Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen-Shekou, Singapore, Port Kelang, Jebel Ali, Port Kelang and back to Xingang. Also, offering transhipment service to other Middle East destinations from Jebel Ali.

Both carriers are committed to each offering three vessels of 3,000 to 3,500 TEU for the service, reports Paris-based Alphaliner.

For Gold Star, this marks its return to the Far East-Mideast trade after leaving the joint "Super Galex" service with CSAV in September 2009.

For TSL, this adds to its China-Middle East service (CME) scope. And TSL has been deploying up to three extra loaders on the CME for the past few months, increasing the average weekly capacity to 4,000 TEU from the original six vessels with 3,080 TEU.

Alphaliner said the new service will exert further rate pressure on the Far East to Middle East Gulf routes.
(Source:www.schednet.com)