Hatsu Marine adds Asia/Europe trade

Hatsu Marine adds Asia/Europe trade

   Hatsu Marine Ltd., a London-based shipowning affiliate of the Evergreen group, will enter the Asia/Europe trade in January under a slot charter arrangement with other group affiliates.

   The start of the weekly service linking North Europe and China “is seen as a precursor to a much broader range of services that will be rolled out gradually during 2004-2005,” Hatsu Marine said.

   The North Europe/China service will utilize slots on Lloyd Triestino’s “CEM” service, which has a rotation of Shanghai, Ningbo, Yantian, Hong Kong, Tanjung Pelepas, Taranto, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Thamesport, Taranto, Tanjung Pelepas, Kaohsiung, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

   Initially, Hatsu will be focusing on the North European market, but it expects to extend its coverage to the Mediterranean. The carrier also expects to take slots on additional Asia/Europe services to increase the frequency and range of ports it is able to offer its new customer base.

   Hatsu Marine deploys its four largest vessels, all of 6,332-TEU capacities, in the transpacific trade. All Hatsu Marine vessels fly the U.K. flag.