MAERSK SEALAND REVISES EUROPE/SOUTH AMERICA SERVICES

MAERSK SEALAND REVISES EUROPE/SOUTH AMERICA SERVICES    Maersk Sealand is upgrading two of its Europe/East Coast South America services and ending an existing slot charter agreement with Mediterranean Shipping Co. in the same trade.
   Maersk Sealand’s new weekly “Itajai Express” operation replaces its fortnightly northbound-only “Brazil II Extra Loader” loop. The “Itajai Express” will use four ships of about 1,700 TEUs and call Algeciras, Salvador, Vitoria, Rio de Janeiro, Paranagua, Itajai and back to Algeciras.
   Maersk Sealand is introducing an “L-Class” service in the same trade, which takes over the former “ECSA 1” service. Post-Panamax containerships of about 3,700 TEUs, known as L-class vessels, are replacing vessels of approximately 2,800 TEUs, with new calls at Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Paranagua and Pecem being added to the rotation. The revised service no longer calls at Itajai.
   Maersk Sealand also confirmed that its slot charter deal with Mediterranean Shipping between North Europe and East Coast South America is coming to an end in December.