UASC splits Asia/Europe loop

UASC splits Asia/Europe loop    Liner carrier United Arab Shipping Co. said last week it is splitting its AEC1 Asia/Middle East/Europe service into two separate loops, one of which will directly link three Indian Subcontinent ports to Europe.
   The carrier said the move was being made due to 'growing trade activities between the Indian Subcontinent and Europe.'
   The AEC1 service, on which Hanjin Shipping is a slot buyer, has bypassed the Indian Subcontinent, but calling on a roster of Far East, Middle East and northern European ports. According to American Shipper affiliate ComPair Data, the service operates with 11 UASC ships with an average capacity of 3,923 TEUs.
   As of Nov. 11, that service will split into a five-ship loop connecting the Far East, Middle East and northern Europe; and a six-ship loop connecting the Indian Subcontinent, Middle East and northern Europe. The 11 ships operating on the loop range from 5,042 TEUs to 2,708 TEUs. It's unclear how the vessels will be deployed on the two new services.
   The rotation of the Far East/Europe service, dubbed AGX1, will be Shanghai, Pusan, Hong Kong, Yantian, Port Kelang, Jebel Ali, Khorfakkan and Shanghai.
   The rotation of the reconfigured AEC1 will be Port Qasim, Nhava Sheva, Pipavav, Suez Canal, Port Said, Thamesport, Antwerp, Hamburg, Rotterdam, Khorfakkan and Port Qasim.