Container carrier APL has introduced a new Aloha Express (AEX) service, directly connecting Central China, South Korea, Japan to Hawaii.

The new fortnightly service is designed to delivery cargoes from Shanghai, Busan and Yokohama to Honolulu in 19, 15 and 12 days respectively.

The AEX service will commence sailing from Shanghai on 25 July 2017 and arrive in Honolulu on 13 August 2017.

“The AEX service introduces a new sea route in our portfolio to directly serve Asia and Hawaii. Instead of routing via the US mainland, shippers with Hawaiian-bound cargo will find a faster shipping alternative in the AEX service,” said Jesper Stenbak, APL senior vice president of transpacific trade.

“To optimally coincide with market activities in the US state, shipments on board the AEX service are scheduled for Sunday arrival in Hawaii for early week cargo availability,” said Stenbak.

APL said an office with local expertise has been set up in Honolulu.

A 990-teu APL-operated vessel, APL Aloha, will be dedicated to serve the AEX service. Including the APL Aloha, three APL-operated vessels will be deployed for the service to offer a full array of solutions and equipment including 45-feet containers.

From the Asian ports where the AEX service is calling, shippers can expect to benefit from extended connectivity to markets such as Hong Kong, South China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East amongst others via APL’s global network, the carrier said.

Source:seatrade-maritime.com