THE big three Japanese carriers have announced the consolidation of two loops that NYK calls ALEX (Asia Latin America Express), the ALEX-1 and the ALEX-2, into a single string starting April 26.

"K" Line now markets this a single ANDES loop, deploying 11 postpanamax vessels and a new feeder service (MSX) will be launched between Mexico and the west coast of South America.

NYK will supply five of the 11 ships, between 5,600 and 6,500 TEU, while "K" Line and MOL and will provide three each.

The new service will add a direct link between Ningbo, Chile and Peru and offer wider service. Buenaventura and Guayaquil are served via MSX service with transshipment at Manzanillo and Callao, respectively, said "K" Line.

The 77-day rotation will call weekly at Keelung, Hong Kong, Shenzhen-Da Chan Bay, Xiamen, Shanghai, Ningbo, Busan, Manzanillo, Callao, Iquique, Valparaiso, Lirquen, Callao, Manzanillo, Tokyo and Keelung with the first sailing from Keelung on April 26.

"The ports of Honolulu, Buenaventura, and Guayaquil, which were part of ALEX-2, will now be served through new services of ours" said the NYK announcement.

Buenaventura and Guayaquil will also be part of NYK's new MSX (Mexico South America Express) service with transshipment at Manzanillo (Mexico) and Callao on the following 21-day rotation, deploying three 2,100-TEU on a weekly basis calling at Manzanillo, Buenaventura, Callao, Guayaquil and then back to Manzanillo with the first sailing on May 26.

Honolulu will be served by our new AHX (Asia Hawaii Express) service. A separate press release (http://www.nyk.com/english/release/1964/NE_120411_2.html) contains service details.

Additionally, shipments linking Asia with the west coast of Central America will continue to be offered through the MAREX-Neo service via transshipment in Manzanillo (Mexico).