Start-up carrier charters fifth ship

Start-up carrier charters fifth ship    The Containership Company (TCC) said Tuesday it has chartered the fifth ship it needed for its new weekly Great Dragon Service between Taicang, China and Los Angeles to commence April 17.
   The company said it has chartered the 2,800-TEU E.R. Darwin, which it will rename Suzhou Dragon.
   The company said the service will begin with a sailing from Taicang on April 17.
   In a note to customers last week, TCC said it has 2,400 TEUs of containers at the Taicang International Gateway or surrounding other depots available for stuffing and another 7,500 TEUs were arriving this week.
   It added contracts have been entered with leasing companies for pickup from Taicang or Los Angeles of the remainder of equipment needed to run its weekly service.
   TCC said it has entered a global agency agreement with Norton Lilly. In Shanghai, Norton Lilly has an agreement with Sino Jardine who has appointed Suzhou United Shipping Co. Ltd. to handle vessel husbanding, manifest input, booking acceptance and other agency related functions in Taicang.