Matson unveils new South Pacific Express loop

The Honolulu-based liner carrier will launch its South Pacific Express service in August, which will transport U.S. West Coast cargo transshipped at Honolulu to Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga and Fiji.    Honolulu-based liner carrier Matson will launch its South Pacific Express (SPX) service August 10, the company said.
   The loop will link Matson’s U.S. West Coast-Hawaii service with its South Pacific network, using the 510-TEU Liloa to transport U.S. West Coast cargo transshipped at Honolulu.
   The SPX will provide same-day-of-week arrivals in the South Pacific every 28 days, calling Apia, Samoa; Pago Pago, American Samoa; Nuku’alofa, Tonga; Suva, Fiji; and Lautoka, Fiji before returning to Honolulu.
   “Matson’s South Pacific Express will be the only direct service from Hawaii to the South Pacific and the fastest ocean carrier service between North America and the Samoas,” Matson said. “The new service will also provide new links and associated economic opportunities among the islands it serves.”