CMA CGM adds Singapore to PEX 3

CMA CGM adds Singapore to PEX 3    CMA CGM said Thursday it is adding a call at the Port of Singapore to its round-the-world PEX 3 service.
   The service goes from Asia to the U.S. Gulf and East coasts via the Panama Canal, then transits the Suez Canal on the return leg to Asia.
   The French carrier said it is the first loop to offer a direct connection between Houston and Singapore. The change is effective Nov. 11.
   According to ComPair Data, which already reflected the service change, PEX 3 is operated with 10 4,589-TEU vessels. China Shipping is a slot buyer on the service.
   The new rotation is Shanghai, Xiamen, Chiwan, Hong Kong, Manzanillo, Houston, Miami, Jacksonville, Savannah, Charleston, Norfolk, Tangiers, Jebel Ali, Singapore and Shanghai.
   'By adding the port of Singapore to our transpacific rotation, customers now will have direct and timely access to this very important domestic and transshipment market,' said Jean Philippe Thenoz, vice president of North American lines for CMA CGM Group.