March 14 - Hamburg, Germany headquartered shipping line Rickmers-Linie has launched a new westbound round-the-world service.
The breakbulk, heavy lift and project cargo specialist will connect the growing markets of Asia and South America before heading to North America.
Ulrich Ulrichs, chief operating officer and managing director of Rickmers-Linie, said: "Having introduced our round-the-world Pearl String service with an eastbound rotation ten years ago, we are convinced that the time to start up a similar concept in the other direction has now come.
"This move further confirms our commitment to, and trust in, the Asian and South American markets."
The chartered 28,300 dwt multipurpose vessel Huanghai Glory - with a lifting capacity of 160 tonnes - will launch the westbound service. A second vessel will enter service in May 2013, with the arrival of third ship expected at a later stage.
Ports that will receive the new service include: Yokohama, Masan, Xingang, Shanghai, Singapore, Cape Town, Buenos Aires, Santos, Rio de Janeiro, Vitoria, Philadelphia, Savannah and Houston.
Rickmers-Linie noted that the America-Asia westbound service established in 2006 forms a part of this new offering.
www.rickmers-linie.com
