MSC, Hapag-Lloyd and ONE Agree Vessel Cooperation

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, the world’s second-largest container shipping company, is optimizing its Asia-South America east coast network through a new vessel-sharing agreement (VSA).

The VSA, signed by MSC, Hapag-Lloyd and Ocean Network Express (ONE), is expected to reduce transit times on MSC’s Ipanema service.

For shipments from Far East ports to destinations such as Navegantes, in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, times will decrease by at least seven days.

The partnership will take effect from December 15, 2018, with the first vessel to depart from Busan, South Korea.

Other destinations on the new port rotation, as part of the Ipanema service, include Shanghai, Buenos Aires and Singapore.

According to a statement, the revised network will ensure extensive coverage for shippers moving cargo from Asia to the main South American east coast markets.