Ocean carriers launch loop between China, Korea and Russia

The new weekly China Russia South service operated by Hyundai Merchant Marine, FESCO and CMA CGM merges two prior loops.

   Ocean carriers Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM), FESCO and CMA CGM have launched a new China-Korea-Russia weekly service, under the name China Russia South Service (CRS).
   HMM said the service results from merging two loops — the Korea Russia Service (KRS) and the Korea Russia Service 2 (KR2) it had operated with FESCO — broadening service coverage to South and Middle China, and adding CMA CGM as a vessel provider.
   Each carrier is contributing a single ship to the loop, with capacities ranging from 2,758 TEUs to 4,758 TEUs, according to BlueWater Reporting. The first sailing of the CRS departs March 24 from Hong Kong on the Hyundai Unity with a full port rotation of Hong Kong, Chiwan, Xiamen, Ningbo, Shanghai, Busan, Vladivostok, Vostochny, Busan, and Hong Kong.
   HMM and FESCO also operate the China Russia North (CRN) service, which connects China and Russia with two 1,700-TEU containerships.
   “By launching CRS and joining in CRN, HMM can provide premium direct services connecting South China/Middle China and Russia,” said HMM, adding that “with two services connecting China-Korea-Russia, HMM will enhance its presence in Russia shipping market.”