Shipping groups CMA CGM and CSAV have announced the launch of a new jointly operated direct freight container service linking Asia to West Africa commencing the 3rd August. Named WAX II, this new service will deploy 10 vessels from 2,500 TEU's up to 3,100 TEU's (5 CMA CGM vessels, 5 CSAV vessels). It will serve China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Nigeria, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Cameroon.

The companies say this service will provide its customers with better coverage of West African ports with, in particular, a direct call to Cameroon at the port of Douala plus an enhanced transhipment capacity from Lome to Cotonou and a call to CMA CGM's Port Kelang hub, giving access to the south-eastern Asian market.

The route improves current transit times with a claimed record transit time of 22 days between Apapa, first port of call on the West Coast of Africa and Port Kelang. Stephane Courquin, CMA CGM Vice President Africa, Indian Ocean, Oceania Lines commented:

"The launch of this WAX II service is another illustration of the CMA CGM Group's determination to provide direct services between Asia and West Africa to meet the growing demand of its customers on this trade."
 
 
Source: handyshippingguide