LYKES, TMM, PARTNERS UPGRADE U.S. GULF/MEXICO/MED LINK
Lykes Lines, Transportacion Maritime Mexicana and
Contship Containerlines are upgraded their U.S. Gulf/Mexico/Mediterranean by adding one
ship to their joint operation.
Following the introduction of the Lykes Challenger, frequency has been
improved from to once every nine days, from every 11 days previously.
The itinerary of the service will also be extended to include
Charleston as an eastbound port of call, effective Dec. 1.
The revised rotation of the service is Miami,
Veracruz, Altamira, Houston, New Orleans, Charleston, Valencia, Barcelona, Gioia Tauro, La
Spezia, Miami, Veracruz, Altamira, Houston, New Orleans and Charleston.
Italia and Zim Israel Navigation Co. also have space on the joint
service.
The addition of a fifth ship by the vessel-sharing agreement represents
a reversal of trends for transatlantic carriers, who have sought to reduce capacity since
overtonnage destabilized the market about two years ago.