Hanjin, Cosco, UASC, CCNI offer Europe-South America loop

THE Hanjin Chennai docked earlier this month at the German port of Hamburg for the first time within the scope of a new North Europe to east coast of South America service, jointly operated by Hanjin Shipping, United Arab Shipping Co (UASC), Cosco and Compania Chilena de Navegacion Interoceanica (CCNI).


The new ESE service deploys a total of six 2,500-TEU ships on a weekly basis between Hamburg and the Brazilian ports of Rio de Janeiro, Santos (northbound and southbound) and Itajai, a statement from Hamburg port authorities said.


It said the ESE service represents a further stage in Hanjin Shipping's diversification plans and comes in response to the change in global cargo flows and markets.


"Our customers operate globally and therefore we have to provide them with diversified, global services. Hamburg is and will remain an important hub for both our company and our customers," said YK Song, managing director of Hanjin Shipping Europe regional headquarters.


Before its participation in the ESE service, the German shipping line had previously booked cargo space on the River Plate Express between Hamburg South and Alianca. Together with the "K" line (Condor Express), CCNI served South America's west coast from Hamburg, the port authorities said. They maintain that Cosco has so far only "actively" participated in the trade to South America from Asia, while South America is described as being a completely new area of operation for UASC.


The statement from port authorities said that in 2010 container traffic between Hamburg and the east coast of South America increased by 10.6 per cent compared to the previous year to 260,000 TEU. Box volume to Brazil alone accounted for more than 189,000 TEU. Brazil is now Hamburg's third most important sea freight trading partner. Imports from Brazil via Hamburg chiefly comprise iron ore, oilseeds, raw coffee and meat, while exports via Hamburg port to Brazil are mainly fertilisers, vehicles, machinery, plant parts and chemical products.


They added officials will be presenting the port's services at the intermodal South America trade fair in Sao Paulo, Brazil from April 5-7.
(Source:http://www.schednet.com)