Lines launch new joint Middle East Express Service

Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL), Tokyo Senpaku Kaisha Ltd. (TSK Line) and COSCO Container Lines Co., Ltd. (COSCON) have agreed to operate a new joint service, the MEX (Middle East Express).

The new service, which is expected to start on May 17, 2009 ex Shanghai, will comprise five vessels with a nominal capacity of 7,500 TEU (loadable capacity of 6,500 TEU). OOCL and COSCON will provide two vessels each and TSK Line will provide one vessel.
Port rotation is as follows:
Shanghai / Ningbo / Hong Kong / Shekou / Singapore / Jebel Ali / Dammam / Singapore / Hong Kong / Shanghai.

The new service will replace the current Middle East Asia Express Service (MAX) operated by OOCL and TSK Line, which operates five vessels with a nominal capacity of 5,500 TEU (loadable capacity of around 5,000 TEU).

This is a dedicated service offered by OOCL, TSK Line and COSCON on the trade between the Far East and the Middle East.