Hapag-Lloyd and Zim unveil AS3 service to enhance container connectivity between Asia and Brazil, starting September 2026.
Hapag-Lloyd, in partnership with Zim Integrated Shipping Services, is launching a new Asia-South America East Coast service, designated AS3, to strengthen container connectivity between Asia and Brazil.
Scheduled to begin operations on 13 September 2026, this weekly fixed sailing will enhance trade routes, providing greater flexibility and expanded port coverage.
The AS3 service will connect five major Chinese ports - Shanghai, Ningbo, Xiamen, Hong Kong, and Yantian - with several strategically important Brazilian ports, including Rio Grande, Paranagua, Itajai, Santos, and Rio de Janeiro. The full port rotation is Shanghai - Ningbo - Xiamen - Hong Kong - Yantian - Rio Grande - Paranagua - Itajai - Santos - Rio de Janeiro. The inaugural westbound sailing departs Shanghai on 14 September 2026, and the first eastbound departure from Rio Grande is set for 21 October 2026.
This new service is designed to meet growing trade demands between China and Brazil, offering reliable weekly connections and enhanced routing flexibility. Chinese exporters can now select ports closer to their cargo origins, while Brazilian port coverage extends beyond the main hub of Santos to include Rio de Janeiro, Paranagua, and Itajai. The inclusion of Rio Grande also enables further network access to the Rio de la Plata basin, broadening inland penetration across South America.
For freight forwarders and international trading enterprises, AS3 delivers tangible benefits by improving reach, reducing logistics costs, and optimizing supply chain efficiency.
The AS3 service will not replace any existing Hapag-Lloyd or Zim services. Both the AS2 and ASE services will remain operational, ensuring continuity and expanded capacity on the Asia-South America East Coast corridor. By adding AS3, Hapag-Lloyd and Zim aim to enhance sailing frequency and network resilience, creating a more comprehensive service offering for customers.
As trade between China and Brazil continues to grow, AS3 establishes a stronger foundation for exporters, freight forwarders, and logistics providers. Companies planning to export to Brazil should monitor booking arrangements, freight rates, and confirmed schedules after the service's launch to fully leverage this new corridor and streamline their supply chains.
