GFS, RCL and TS Lines Launch New Far East-Red Sea Service
Three regional shipping lines have joined forces to open a direct service connecting major Chinese export ports with the Red Sea, with Evergreen joining in to buy slots, to ease the thirst for capacity on this hot trade route.
Three shipping lines, Global Feeder Shipping (GFS), Regional Container Lines (RCL) and TS Lines, have officially announced their cooperation in operating a new loop service connecting the Far East and the Red Sea. This move opens a new direct transport corridor, linking major Chinese export hubs with important gateway ports in the Red Sea region.
Notably, Evergreen will also participate in this service in the form of a slot charter under the brand name OGRD.
Service Structure and Route
The new service will operate on a fortnightly rotation, using 3,000 TEU vessels.
The detailed rotation includes the following ports: Shanghai – Qingdao – Guangzhou (Nansha) – Shenzhen (Shekou) – Jeddah – Sokhna – Aqaba – Jeddah – and back to Shanghai.
Driven by Market Demand
The launch of this service is aimed at meeting the rapidly increasing demand for freight into the Red Sea region. Market analysis indicates strong growth in consumer goods, machinery and construction materials being transported into Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
In addition, the service also provides transshipment opportunities via the port of Jeddah, one of the fastest growing logistics hubs in the region.
This reflects the growing interest of regional carriers in expanding capacity on the China-Red Sea route, a market where demand has outstripped the capacity of existing services over the past year.
Source:Phaata.com (Container-News)
