AN EIGHTEENTH ship is to be added to the MSC Australian Express Service/CMA CGM NEMO between Europe and Australia to improve schedule reliability.
The weekly service, which has been obliged to sail the long way around the Cape of Good Hope since soon after the outbreak of the Gazan war and rebel Houthis’ targeting of vessels transiting the Red Sea, has been battling to stay on schedule for some time and regularly omitting calls in Europe, Australia and ports in between.
The 9,176 TEU MSC Lisbon will phase in at London Gateway on 15 October as voyage 1NNULE1MA.
As a result the 8,762 TEU MSC Alina 0NNMDE1MA will slide one position in North Europe to start its voyage at London Gateway on 20 October; the 9,403 TEU MSC Azov 0NNMFE1MA will slide one position in North Europe to start its voyage at London Gateway on 26 October; and the 9,200 TEU MSC Asya 0NNMHE1MA will also slide one position in North Europe, to start its voyage at London Gateway on 2 November.
Separately, the LNG-fuelled, 8,088 TEU CMA CGM Baalback is leaving ANL’s AAX-S service for pastures new and will be replaced, confusingly, by the 8,208 TEU Cosco Philippines – but this does not signal any shake-up of consortiums in the South East Asia-Australia trade, just the availability of a suitable vessel for requirements.
While the newcomer has only a slightly higher TEU intake it offers around 35,000 tonnes more in deadweight capacity, well suited to Australia’s export requirements.
In New Zealand, Magda Munro has been appointed General Manager, CMA CGM Group Agencies, New Zealand. Reporting to Shane Walden, Managing Director Oceania, Magda brings over 18 years of experience with the Group, most recently as Chief Commercial Officer.
Gary Carter will step into a new role of Business Development Manager – Pacific Islands, ANL & CMA CGM Oceania where he will focus on expanding the ANL and CMA CGM footprint across the region.