NEWS FLASH: Maersk, MSC launch new transpacific service

The world’s two largest container shipping carriers, Maersk Line and MSC, are beefing up their presence on the transpacific trade in the wake of Hanjin Shipping filing for receivership in Korea last week.    Update: Maersk said, “We can confirm the TP1 and Maple services are the same and part of the 2M network with the first three sailings calling Los Angeles/Long Beach. The final, long term setup in terms of ports of call, etc, is still under discussion and we will communicate when a final conclusion has been reached. The intended vessel size for the TP1 service is Panamax vessels. Sailings will be decided based on market demand and therefore may be carried out with different sized vessels in the future.”

   In the wake of Hanjin Shipping filing for receivership in Korea last week, 2M Alliance members Maersk Line and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) said Wednesday they are increasing their presence on the transpacific.
   MSC said explicitly that its new “Maple” service was being launched “to assist shippers following the recent Hanjin announcement.”
   It said the “Maple” service will be launched Sept. 15.
   In a separate announcement, Maersk revealed the new TP1 service.
   While not explicitly mentioning Hanjin, Klaus Rud Sejling, head of Maersk Line’s East-West Network, said, “We are responding to increased demand in the transpacific. With supply chains disrupted, many customers are approaching us for transport solutions for their cargo. The TP1 service is a stable, long term solution to meet our customers’ needs.”