APL enhances Intra-Asia network with new service launch

Singapore: APL, a global leader in container shipping, has announced the launch of the Japan-Thailand-Vietnam (JTV) service, which will further strengthen its Intra-Asia short sea network and better serve key manufacturing and consumption markets within Asia.

From 30 October, the JTV offers shippers a dedicated service linking the key markets of Japan, South China and Hong Kong with the emerging South East Asian manufacturing locations of Thailand and Vietnam. The JTV will serve trade lanes with potential for significant long-term growth. The service will also enable importers and exporters to access APL's global mainline services network via Hong Kong and Kaohsiung. Shippers can also tap into the Philippines market with faster connections via Kaohsiung.

Jason Wong, APL Vice President for Intra-Asia said: "The JTV caters to customer demand for more short sea services in the dynamic Intra-Asia market. The new service will support a trading circle encompassing key origins and destinations ranging from South East and East Asia to North Asia. Manufactured and component goods, as well as refrigerated fresh produce can now move more quickly and reliably within Asia."

Mr Wong added: "Recognising Asia's growing importance as both a production and consumption market, the JTV service demonstrates APL's commitment to adapt our network to meet changing trade patterns and better serve our customers."

APL will deploy 3 ships, each with a capacity of 1,200 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit).

Port rotation for the JTV will be: Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe, Chiwan, Hong Kong, Laem Chabang, Ho Chi Minh City, Kaohsiung and Tokyo.