Maersk's MCC Transport has launched a China-Myanmar Intra Asia 5 (IA5) service between Shanghai and Yangon to exploit the growing trade between the two countries by deploying eight 1,100-TEUers in the loop.

The IA5 will cut transits from 18 to 13 days, and eliminates any need for transshipments, rotating as it does in 56 days through Shanghai, Singapore, Port Klang, Sihanoukville, Busan and Ho Chi Minh City, said MCC.

China is Myanmar's biggest trading partner, accounting for 45 percent of all Asian imports. "Myanmar has a huge potential for growth in terms of international trade," said Maersk country manager Bo Wegener.

"We expect trade volumes to grow significantly. We see unveiled potential for Myanmar's garment exports to other markets such as the US and Europe," he said.

China Shipping Container Lines (CSCL) has also launched a China-Myanmar service. Four 1,000 TEU vessels from CSCL will operate its Burma Express, which rotates though Shanghai, Ningbo, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore and Yangon in 12 to 14 days.