SIMIC

Swire Shipping will support the upgraded service through the deployment of its 2,750-teu newbuild vessels.

The fixed 14-day service is expected to offer better transit times to and from major ports in North Asia, Papua New Guinea and Australia. Under this enhancement, customers can look to a nine-day transit from Hong Kong to Lae of Papua New Guinea.

Related: Swire Shipping takes delivery of second 2,400 teu containership

Swire Shipping will deploy three vessels of 2,500-2,750 teu capacity including its first 2,750-teu newbuild Lae Chief, which will be delivered this month. The vessel is fitted with 45 tonnes cranes and capable of dual lifts to carry all cargo types including breakbulk, out of gauge and reefers.

“Our direct express services from Asia to the Pacific have always been popular with customers and we are pleased to be able to offer more options to them with these newly announced improved frequencies on the upgraded NAX service,” said Jeremy Sutton, general manager of Swire Shipping.

“This service upgrade will enable Swire Shipping’s customers to improve their supply chain efficiency and inventory management from both an import and export perspective,” he added.

The NAX service is part of Swire Shipping’s network focused on connecting global supply chains to Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands. The service was first launched in July 2015.