YML, RCL launch new intra-Asia loop

Ocean carriers Yang Ming and RCL will commence a new service between Southeast Asia, China and Hong Kong with the Feb. 28 sailing of the Methi Bhum from Singapore, according to a joint statement from the companies.    Ocean carriers Yang Ming and RCL will launch a loop between Southeast Asia, China and Hong Kong, the carriers jointly announced.
   Yang Ming refers to the service as the SE7, while RCL dubbed it the RHY.
   The loop will have a rotation of Singapore, Pasir Gudang, Haiphong, Qinzhou, Hong Kong, Singapore, Yangon, Pasir Gudang and Singapore.
   Yang Ming’s schedule shows the RHY/SE7 commencing with the Feb. 28 sailing of the Methi Bhum from Singapore. In addition, Yang Ming said the service would operate with four, 1,000-TEU vessels. Three of the four vessels on the RHY/SE7 will be provided by RCL, RCL said.
   RCL’s pre-existing RHF will be rebranded into this new RHY/SE7. The RHF has a rotation of Singapore, Haiphong, Qinzhou, Hong Kong and Singapore, according to ocean carrier schedule and capacity database BlueWater Reporting. The loop currently operates with two vessels with an average capacity of 873 TEUs, with OOCL as a slot purchaser. It is currently unclear if OOCL will be making the switch over to the RHY/SE7, as the carrier’s most recent online service schedules are not reflected to show this change.