CMA CGM redeploys in Asia-Red Sea trade

   The liner carrier CMA CGM said Wednesday it will become a vessel provider on a Hanjin Shipping/China Shipping/Yang Ming Asia-Red Sea service on which it already takes slots.
   CMA CGM will provide one ship on the service from July. The service, which has a rotation of Ningbo, Kaohsiung, Skekou, Singapore, Jeddah, Sokhna, Aqaba, Singapore, and Shanghai, is currently operated with seven vessels (three from Hanjin, and two each from China Shipping and Yang Ming) with an average capacity of 4,140 TEUs, according to American Shipper affiliate ComPair Data.
   In June, CMA CGM ended a loop (REX1) it jointly operated with APL on the same trade. CMA CGM dubs the Hanjin/China Shipping/Yang Ming-led service REX2.
   It appears that CMA CGM’s ship, a 3,900-TEU vessel, will replace one of Hanjin’s, a 2,700-TEU vessel.
   “It was essential for CMA CGM to offer again Egypt and Jordan calls with a direct and improved service from Asia,” said Stéphane Courquin, vice president CMA CGM Asia Med and North Africa lines. “This new REX 2 service is the first step of CMA CGM’s redeployment in the zone and confirms the Group’s will to increase its presence in these countries for both import and export.” – Eric Johnson