The space-sharing consortium of ocean carriers known as The New World Alliance will deploy nine ships instead of the current eight in its service network between Asia and Europe. The change will come in the first quarter of 2008, subject to berthing schedules and finalization of details. The group consists of Singapore-based APL, Korea's Hyundai Merchant Marine and Japan's Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. The principals said the extra ship will provide additional buffer time in the schedule, which can be affected by multiple factors at the ports. The recent sharp rise in fuel prices has prompted TNWA to devise new means of controlling network costs. While an additional vessel is needed to accomplish this goal, no further capacity is being introduced to the Asia-Europe trade, the lines said. Together the members of TNWA serve some 40 ports, deploying more than 100 containerships in the major east-west routes.
http://www.apl.com