HANJIN KEEPS ALLIANCE PARTNER CHO YANG UNDER REVIEW

HANJIN KEEPS ALLIANCE PARTNER CHO YANG UNDER REVIEW    Hanjin Shipping, the largest carrier in the United Alliance, said that it is keeping the situation of Cho Yang under review.
   A spokesman for Hanjin Shipping at its headquarters in Seoul said that Cho Yang is responsible for operating certain vessels in the alliance. But there is no plan for Cho Yang to leave the United Alliance, he added.
   Cho Yang has had several ships detained in ports and recently redelivered chartered vessels to their owners after having failed to negotiate lower charter rates.
   Norasia Container Lines has increased its cooperation with the United Alliance through a series of slot-exchange and slot-charter agreements and is seen by industry observers as a potential replacement for Cho Yang. However, the Hanjin spokesman said that, to his knowledge, there are no current discussion about Norasia joining the United Alliance.
   The three full members of the United Alliance are Hanjin, its subsidiary Senator Lines, and Cho Yang. United Arab Shipping Co. also participates in the United Alliance, but only within its U.S./Mideast and Europe/Mideast and certain Asia/Europe services.