CONTSHIP ENTERS ASIA/MED TRADE

CONTSHIP ENTERS ASIA/MED TRADE    Contship Containerlines has added a third weekly Europe/Asia string, which focuses on Mediterranean markets, through a slot charter agreement with CMA CGM.
   The service employs 12 ships ranging from 2,954 to 3,961 TEUs. The new string sails eastbound from Barcelona, Fos, Genoa, Naples, Port Kelang, Singapore, Yantian and Hong Kong; and westbound from Hong Kong to Chiwan, Jakarta, Singapore, Port Kelang and Barcelona.
   The carrier, a unit of CP Ships, said the service's transit times are among the fastest available for the markets, including 18-day transits from Singapore to Barcelona and 19 days from Genoa to Port Kelang.
   Contship started two weekly Asia/Europe services in March.
   'With the third route, we now offer coverage of all European markets in this trade, said David J. Halliday, chief executive officer. The new service is an important addition to our portfolio of routes serving major hubs in the Med.