COLUMBUS CONFIRMS “MODEST” ENTRY IN TRANSPACIFIC

COLUMBUS CONFIRMS “MODEST” ENTRY IN TRANSPACIFIC

COLUMBUS CONFIRMS “MODEST” ENTRY IN TRANSPACIFIC

   Columbus Line confirmed that it will enter the Asia/ U.S./Mexico transpacific trade next month as part of a move to assume an active role in the Far East leg of its West Coast Americas AMPAC service alliance.

   However, this entry “is a very modest one, with the prime focus being on expanded service to our customers in Latin America,” a spokesman for Columbus said.

   One of the two vessel strings operated by the joint AMPAC service of Columbus, TMM Lines, Lykes Lines and Maruba calls at Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Shanghai, Busan, Long Beach and West Coast South American ports. The service covers three routes: Asia/South America, Asia/North America and North America/South America.

   Columbus said it has a modest slot allocation on that route.

   TMM, Lykes and Maruba also market the Asia/North America leg of the service.