THE end of 2017 and the first couple
of weeks this year saw a string of new and enhanced container shipping service
offerings on intra-Asia and China-Southeast and South Asia routes.
The move comes amid the recognition
that these China-India routes provide an opportunity to deploy vessels of
up to 8,000-9,000 TEU.
"Overall, the intra-Asia market
is expected to grow five per cent in 2018. Southeast Asian countries are likely
to see strong trade growth while trade between China and India is expected to
rise in line with India's economic development," said APL.
Partners in the Ocean Alliance, OOCL and APL,
were among the first to launch. The former's Far East-Chennai service
boosts service to the southeast of India from China while APL also announced
revamps to its China-India Subcontinent network.
"2017 saw APL offering 38 services
as part of the Ocean Alliance, as well as introducing 14 new APL
services and enhancing 14 existing loops," said a spokeswoman.
She added that the services were
introduced to strengthen the line global network, especially key transpacific
and intra-Asia trade lanes, as well as enhance its presence in the Middle East
and Indian subcontinents, as well as seek growth opportunities in Oceania and
transatlantic.
Recognising challenges APL said:
"It is noteworthy that the Southeast Asia shipping network is constantly
changing. In particular, the intra-Asia short sea market is fast moving with
comparatively lower barriers to entry or exit compared to long haul trades."
In response, APL kicked off the year
with the announcement of a new China Southeast Asia (CSE) service
that has been introduced to meet this demand.
"In 2018, more APL services
will be introduced to serve market needs and further develop our service
network," she said.
Source : HKSG.
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