On 13 August, TS Lines
launched a standalone Asia-US West Coast express service, AWC2, just over a
month after returning to the transpacific lane through a joint AWC service with
Dubai-based SeaLead Shipping.
AWC2, connecting Guangzhou, Xiamen, Busan and Long
Beach, was launched with the 1,800 TEU TS Bangkok, carrying toys, construction
materials, apparel, shoes and hats, setting out from China’s Guangzhou port. The ship will arrive in Long Beach on 5 September,
offering a 23-day turnaround time. According to TS Lines’ website, two other
ships, TS Melbourne and TS Tokyo, have also been assigned to AWC2.
Despite the ongoing
correction in freight rates, particularly on the Asia-US West Coast routes, TS
Lines’ management is optimistic about filling the ships.TS Lines’ Xiamen
representative, Wu Chengyan, said: “Shipping demand is very strong, especially
in the apparel, footwear, manufacturing, bulk commodities and
cross-border e-commerce sectors. We
designed the route to use Xiamen as the last port of call (in China),and after
leaving the port, the ship goes directly to the US West Coast, so customers
will no longer have to worry about transit.”
Wu indicated that if
demand is good, TS Lines could deploy up to five vessels to AWC2.
To bolster its competitiveness on long-haul routes,
TS Lines ordered two 14,000 TEU and two 8,000 TEU ships from
Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding in May, for delivery in 2027.
Wu said TS Lines is
also keen to start a Far East-Mexico service, as rates between the Far East and
Central/South America are at two-year highs.