RCL joins intra-Asia service

The ocean carrier began offering slots on the joint CNC, COSCO and Yang Ming CTS loop, which operates between Korea, China, Southeast Asia and Hong Kong, on Nov. 3.    Regional Container Lines (RCL) joined the intra-Asia CTS loop with the Nov. 3 sailing of the Najade from Inchon, dubbing it the RCL China Thailand (RCT) service, the ocean carrier said in a statement.
   The loop has a rotation of Inchon, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shekou, Ho Chi Minh (VICT/Cat Lai), Laem Chabang, Ho Chi Minh (VICT/Cat Lai), Hong Kong, Shekou and Inchon.
   The CTS/RCT currently operates with four vessels with an average capacity of 2,742 TEUs, according to ocean carrier schedule and capacity database BlueWater Reporting. CMA CGM’s subsidiary Cheng Line Navigation (CNC) Line provides two vessels on the loop, while COSCO and Yang Ming provide one vessel each. Namsung, CMA CGM and its subsidiaries ANL and Delmas purchase slots on the CTS/RCT.
   RCL will provide one vessel on the loop, which will replace CNC Line’s Santa Belina. The name of the replacement vessel is “to be finalized,” RCL said last week.
   However, RCL’s most recent online service schedules show the Hammonia Thracium joining the CTS/RCT Nov. 24 from Inchon, replacing the Santa Belina.
   Currently, no other participating carriers illustrate the Hammonia Thracium on the loop.
   The vessel is currently operated by Hanjin and serves on its intra-Asia NHS loop until Nov. 6, according to Hanjin’s most recent online service schedules.