MOL joins Far East/Mideast loop

   The liner carrier MOL said Tuesday it’s joining a service connecting China and Southeast Asia with the Indian Subcontinent and Middle East.
   The service, currently operated by Wan Hai, PIL, and “K” Line, has a rotation of Shanghai, Ningbo, Kaohsiung, Hong Kong, Shekou, Singapore, Port Kelang, Jebel Ali, Karachi, Mundra, Port Kelang, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.
   According to American Shipper affiliate ComPair Data, it’s currently operated with six vessels (three from Wan Hai, two from PIL and one from “K”Line). MOL said it will provide one vessel on the service from June 8 – it’s unclear which line will remove one vessel to accommodate MOL’s operational entry.
   MOL will brand the service CMS.
   The Japanese line already offers four dedicated connections, through its own operation or via slot charter, from Asia to the Middle East or Indian Subcontinent. It also serves the trade via some of the Asia-Europe services it participates in through membership in the G6 Alliance of liner carriers. – Eric Johnson