Swire Shipping to launch new North Asia Express service

The new service, named North Asia Express (NAX), will provide a direct link between the North Asian ports of Shanghai and Kaohsiung, Townsville in Australia and Lae in Papua New Guinea.

The NAX will offer a 16-day transit between Shanghai and Lae, and a 10-day transit between Townsville and Shanghai. The service will also complement Swire Shipping’s existing North Asia trade, providing a 10-day frequency from North Asia to Lae.

“Swire Shipping will be deploying two modern, highly fuel-efficient multipurpose Chief Class vessels to service this route,” said Jeremy Sutton, general manager, Asia Trades, at Swire Shipping, the liner shipping division of The China Navigation Company (CNCo).

Swire Shipping will take delivery of four new Chief Class vessels from China’s Zhejiang-based Ouhua Shipyard over the next two months.

“The North Asia Express service will expand Swire Shipping’s network coverage across the region. This new route enhances our network of multipurpose liner services and allows us to improve our service to our customers,” Sutton said.