Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics has increased the frequency of sailings on its North America to Oceania trade route to four per month.
It means shippers will benefit by one added monthly call in the ports of Baltimore, Savannah, Panama, Auckland, Brisbane, Port Kembla, Melbourne and Fremantle.
The company said the enhancement will accommodate a mix of customers in the automotive, high & heavy, breakbulk and project cargo segments.
WWL is also planning to use its new Mark V vessel on the route from this spring. The Mark V is reputed to be the largest ro-ro vessel in the world, with more than 50,000m2 of deck area and a 12 metre-wide ramp with a weight capacity of 500 tons.
Built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, it is the first of four such vessels, with the second being delivered in August and two more following in 2012.
The company said the vessel will use 15-20% less fuel per unit transported.
WWL is also picking up vehicles from China for shipment to Australia as part of its 50% ownership in Armacup Express Line.
The company said Armacup has specialised in the Asia to New Zealand trade for around 20 years. More recently, Armacup has included Australia in its rotation to meet the needs of its customers.
"Being a valued partner and supporting the introduction of new vehicles to the market is exciting and requires a strong level of commitment and trust with our customers" said Mark Ching CEO of Armacup. "Through WWL, we have a strong support network in China and Australia ensuring that we have a skilled team capable of supporting the continued growth of Chinese brands in the Australian market."
