HONG KONG's TS Lines has announced it will partner with Korea's Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) to launch the CIX string covering Korea, China, Singapore and India from June 28.

Deploying five 4,250-TEU, 22.5-knot vessels, the Far East-India CIX loop calls at Busan, Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen-Yantian, Singapore, Port Kelang, Nhava Sheva, and back to Singapore and Busan.

Said TS Lines: "This string offers shippers a fast and direct service between Far East and the west coast of India, which helps expand TS Lines' China-India network."

The CIX loop can be integrated into TS Lines' existing Asian services as well as its Australia and Middle East strings, making a comprehensive network for the company to move cargo from ports in Taiwan, Japan, Indonesia, Burma, Australia and other Asian points to India.

"We are confident that the new string can enhance our service network and provide a better and faster option in the market for our customers," said the company statement.

Additionally, in early July, TS Lines will strengthen its intra Far East service by deploying four 1,000-TEU and 18-knot ships on its JTT sling, covering Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand and Vietnam. Port rotation of this 28-day JTT loop includes Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Ulsan, Busan, Keelung, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Hong Kong, Laem Chabang, Bangkok, Laem Chabang, Ho Chi Minh, and back to Kaohsiung, Taichung, Keelung and Tokyo.

"With the launch of our new JTT loop, we not only strengthen our service from Korea to Taiwan, but also enhance the frequency of our existing Hong Kong-Thailand service to twice a week. Besides, we can expand our service by linking Thailand with Vietnam, and then connect them to Kaohsiung, Taichung and Keelung in Taiwan. From Taiwan, we can offer direct and swift service to the eastern Japan. This satisfies the fast-changing demand of our customers and helps cement our position in the Asian market."

TS Lines performed well last year by handling 1.62 million TEU. Looking ahead, the carrier said: "The industry has been confronted with soft economy in both Europe and the US since the beginning of 2012, which has led to huge losses and declines in turnover. However, since TS Lines adopts a prudent strategy in operation, we are able to avoid suffering from the harsh operating environment."