COSCO Shipping Lines (CSL) has launched two new express lines, the Prince Rupert Express Line (CEN-Express), and the Los Angeles Express Line (CEN-Plus).
The new Prince Rupert Express Line calls at Qingdao (China) – Shanghai (China) – Prince Rupert (Canada), while the Los Angeles express calls at Tianjin (China) – Qingdao (China) – Shanghai (China) – Los Angeles (US).
The express line to Canada connects express Unit-trains, creating joint advantages of sea-rail intermodal transportation, which will be beneficial in avoiding the recent congestion reported at Los Angeles/Long Beach terminals. This makes the transit time of this line two weeks shorter compared to the current conventional path.
Five 4,250 TEU vessels will be deployed on the CEN Express, providing 1,500 TEU of incremental weekly capacity.
The Los Angeles line is an upgraded service based on the brand serve of CEN, deploying six 10,000 TEU vessels, the weekly capacity will be increased by 2,000 TEU.
Both express lines will provide 3,500 TEU of incremental capacity for Transpacific service, which is set to relieve the pressure on the import-export market between China and the US, especially for ports in southern California to which congestion continues to be a large issue.
COSCO has also seen an increase of 49.6% year-on-year in H1 2021 as it continues to “grasp the opportunity” of recovering trade demand. Announced in August 2021, the shipping line company expects growth to continue through the second half of 2021 by improving services and customer service and communication.
