MSC shifts megaships to transpac, bigger vessels destined for Asia-Europe

GENEVA`s Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is deploying very large containerships on the transpacific, with the deployment 12,560-TEU MSC Fabiola, now the biggest ship to ply the transpac trade, reports Alphaliner.

The Paris-based analysts note that the recently delivered 12,560-TEU MSC Fabiola has been deployed on in the trade in the Pearl River Express Service, jointly operated by CMA CGM between Fuqing, Xiamen, Shenzhen-Chiwan, Hong Kong, Shenzhen-Yantian, Long Beach, Oakland and back to Fuqing.


They will also be 11,300-TEU MSC Francesca, expected to join the transpacific fleet from the Asia-Europe run later this month, which will be replaced by an even bigger vessel between 13,000 and 14,000 TEU, said the report.


Containerisation International`s Freight Rate Forecaster calculations, eastbound transpacific cautions that utilisation is expected to hit 69 per cent in the first quarter, creating excess capacity unless accompanied by layups. CI also said the average for this year`s peak season is expected to rise to just 76 per cent, assuming cargo growth of four per cent.