Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) announced on March 27 two enhancements to its Asia-South Africa network that it said will widen its port coverage.
From April 8, 2012, the Japanese ocean carrier will join the existing Asia and South Africa Service (ASA) linking Central and South China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and South Africa.
Tokyo-headquartered MOL will offer a weekly service with one ship on the ASA service operated by Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K” Line) and Pacific International Lines (PIL).
The service, operated with eight vessels and with a total rotation of 56 days, will offer direct inbound and outbound service between Central China, Taiwan, and South Africa as well as strengthen the existing network in South Africa (Durban and Cape Town).
The ASA port rotation will be Shanghai, Ningbo, Keelung, Hong Kong, Shekou, Singapore, Port Kelang, Durban, Cape Town, Port Kelang, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.
MOL said it is also adding a fortnightly call at Nacala on its current Mozambique Express service (MZX) from May-June 2012. With a total rotation of 35 days, the MZX service is to make calls at Tanjung Pelepas, Singapore, Port Louis, Durban, Maputo, Tamatave/Nacala (on an alternative weekly basis), and back at Tanjung Pelepas.
Photo: MOL
