News / TS Lines makes good on pledge to launch transpacific service

Hong Kong registered TS Lines has followed up the announcement it would enter the transpacific trade with the sailing of the 1,808 teu TS Tokyo from Nansha to  Canada on Saturday.

The new NW1 service will call at the Chinese ports of Shekou, Shanghai and Qingdao, before crossing the Pacific for Vancouver and returning to Nansha.

It will be operated by five vessels, ranging in size from 1,750 to 2,550 teu.

In September, TS Lines general manager Tu Honglin said the company would likely offer US west and east coast services, depending on levels of congestion.

Meanwhile, Alphaliner reports that TS Lines is “in expansion mode this year”, with orders for ships of up to 7,000 teu, in a bid to reduce its charter expenses.

It added: “The carrier’s orderbook includes eight 7,000 teu ships, six of 2,700-2,900 teu, five of 1,900 teu and six 1,140 teu units.”