Apr.24--Two weekly container services to connect the Mideast and East Africa using 2,200- and 1,700-TEU ships
    CMA CGM and Emirates Shipping Line entered a vessel sharing agreement to jointly operate two container services connecting the Middle East and East Africa, starting in early May.
    The fixed-day weekly services will be marketed by the French carrier as the Swahili Express 2 and 3, and by Middle East-based ESL as the Gulf-Mombasa Express (GMX) and the Gulf Dar es Salaam Express (GDX).
    The agreement calls for deployment of five vessels of 2,200 20-foot equivalent unit capacity in the SWAX2/GMX service and three 1,700-TEU vessels in the SWAX3/GDX operation.
    The port rotation for the SWAX2/GMX service is Jebel Ali, Khor Fakkan, Mombasa, Zanzibar and back to Jebel Ali.
    For the SWAX3/GDX service, ships will call at Jebel Ali, Khor Fakkan, Dar es Salaam and return to Jebel Ali.
    Trade to and from India is expected to benefit from the joint services through relay options over Khor Fakkan.
    The first vessel sailings are scheduled for May 11 from Jebel Ali.

(Source:JOC)