LYKES, TMM, PARTNERS UPGRADE U.S. GULF/MEXICO/MED LINK

   Lykes Lines, Transportacion Maritime Mexicana and Contship Containerlines are upgraded their U.S. Gulf/Mexico/Mediterranean by adding one ship to their joint operation.
    Following the introduction of the Lykes Challenger, frequency has been improved from to once every nine days, from every 11 days previously.
    The itinerary of the service will also be extended to include Charleston as an eastbound port of call, effective Dec. 1.
    The revised rotation of the service is Miami,
Veracruz, Altamira, Houston, New Orleans, Charleston, Valencia, Barcelona, Gioia Tauro, La Spezia, Miami, Veracruz, Altamira, Houston, New Orleans and Charleston.
    Italia and Zim Israel Navigation Co. also have space on the joint service.
    The addition of a fifth ship by the vessel-sharing agreement represents a reversal of trends for transatlantic carriers, who have sought to reduce capacity since overtonnage destabilized the market about two years ago.