SHIP PROBLEMS DISRUPT SPRINT SERVICE

CARRIERS ADD EUROPE/EAST COAST SOUTH AMERICA LOOP    The North Atlantic Sprint Service of TMM, Lykes Lines, APL and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines has run into trouble.
   Two of its four 1,700-TEU ships have been withdrawn from service for one to three months for engine repairs. A third ship, “MOL Europe” was involved in a minor collision, although it is now back in service.
   CP Ships’ Americana division in Tampa, Fla., runs the service and markets it under the TMM and Lykes names. APL and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines are slot-charterers.
   CP Ships is making every effort to charter replacement vessels at short notice, an Americana spokesman said. But sources say two sailings have been missed.
   None of the lines involved would comment on how soon the service would be running normally.