K Line continues Europe/ ISC service through SCI slot deal

K Line purchases slots on the newly-launched Shipping Corporation of India (SCI)/ Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) Europe/ Indian Sub-Continent service, a move that ensures the line will continue to serve the Europe/ ISC trade following the ending of the present ISES service between K Line, SCI and YML.

The K Line slot agreement is with SCI, and does not involve MSC. The present ISES service will end with the last westbound sailing expected to arrive in north Europe in early June. Under the new MSC/ ISC service, that will also operate under the name of ISES, the port coverage will be: Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Salalah, Port Said, Barcelona, Hamburg, Rotterdam, Felixstowe, Port Said, Jeddah, Colombo and Nhava Sheva.

Seven vessels averaging 4,300 TEUs will eventually be deployed, with the split being four from SCI and three from MSC. SCI will also offer direct calls at Gothenburg, but that call will not involve K Line. For MSC, the new ISES service is in addition to its own India/ Pakistan service known as the IPAK service, which is being upgraded from 4,300 TEUs to 6,300 TEUs vessels. The port coverage for this service will continue as Nhava Sheva, Gioia Tauro, Valencia, Felixstowe, Antwerp, Jeddah, Salalah, Mundra and Nhava Sheva.


Source: PR News/ Copy 6051/ 13 May 2009