APL, a global leader in container shipping, has launched a 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 , reported The Manila Bulletin.

     Starting 30 October, the JTV offers shippers a dedicated service linking the key markets of , South China, and Hong Kong with the emerging Southeast Asian manufacturing locations of and .

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 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 Southeast 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 ."

     APL will deploy three ships, each with a capacity of 1,200 TEUs on the route. Port rotation will be Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe, Chiwan, Hong Kong, Laem Chabang, Ho Chi Minh City, Kaohsiung and Tokyo .

Source:cargonewsasia