ESL, OOCL, TS Lines launch new Asia / Middle East service

Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) announced a new service providing direct links to the Straits, Middle East and India. The service, to be launched on February 1, 2008, is named the “Asia India Middle East Service 2” (AIM2).

The new service will provide additional frequency to and from China and the Middle East, with a wide range of services available to suit customers’ different requirements. The AIM2 is one of four OOCL services providing links from Asia to the Middle East.

"We have seen significant growth in cargo movement in the Subcontinent and Middle East markets," said Mr. Michael Kwok, OOCL’s Director of Intra-Asia Trade. "The introduction of the new Asia Middle East Service is to meet customers' requirements and their further needs in these fast-growing markets."

The port rotation of AIM2 is: Shanghai - Xingang - Qingdao - Da Chan Bay - Hong Kong - Singapore - Port Kelang - Colombo - Jebel Ali - Bandar Abbas - Mundra - Port Kelang - Singapore - Hong Kong - Shanghai, for a 42-day roundtrip.

Six ships with capacity of 2,500 TEU (one of which is operated by OOCL) will be deployed on the service, which is jointly operated with Emirates Shipping Lines and TS Lines.