MOL Offers Two New Direct Shuttles, Servicing Asia and the US West Coast

LONDON, 8 April 2008 – Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President Akimitsu Ashida) – today announced two new direct shuttle services linking China, Japan and Los Angeles on the US West Coast.

Beginning in mid-May, the current PS3 service will be divided into two services.

For Central China, where the market is experiencing significant growth, MOL will offer the PS3, a direct service between Ningbo, Shanghai and Los Angeles. This enhancement will provide one of the fastest transit times in the industry; 11-day direct service from Shanghai to Los Angeles.

MOL will also launch a new “the Japan-America Shuttle (JAS),” which will enable MOL to offer customers more port coverage in Japan than currently offered by other transpacific services and will also ensure a more reliable service that focuses solely on the Japan market.

The JAS will provide additional stops in Shimizu and Osaka along MOL’s Trans-Pacific network. Exclusive focus on Japanese ports will eliminate many of the operational risks inherent with more comprehensive services.

Both the PS3 and the JAS service will be launched in mid-May, beginning with four 2,800-3,000 TEU vessels on a weekly service with a 28-day rotation, subject to regulatory filings and approvals as necessary.

Outline of new PS3 Service
First Sailing: Sailing from Ningbo on May 10th, 2008
Rotation: Ningbo (Sat) – Shanghai (Sun/Mon) – Los Angeles(Fri/Sun) – Ningbo (Sat)

Outline of JAS Service
First Sailing: Sailing from Osaka on May 14th , 2008
Rotation: Osaka (Wed) – Kobe (Thu) – Nagoya (Fri) – Shimizu (Sat) –
Tokyo (Sun/Mon) – Los Angeles(Wed/Thu) – Osaka (Wed)

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MOL is one of the world’s largest multi-modal transport companies, operating more than 800 vessels and employing a workforce in excess of 8,600 worldwide. MOL operates one of the largest and most diverse networks of liner and logistics services around the globe, including weekly Transpacific, Transatlantic, Americas and Asia-Europe services. Please visit the company’s website at www.MOLpower.com

This release was published on openPR.