Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK), Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd (K Line), Pacific International Lines (Pte) Ltd, (PIL) and Hyundai Merchant Marine Co. Ltd (HMM) have reached an agreement to launch a joint service between Far East and East Coast of South America as from mid June, 2009.

Ten (10) vessels of about 4250 TEU capacity each will be deployed on a 70 days round voyage to provide a weekly service. NYK, K Line and PIL will provide 3 vessels each and HMM will deploy one vessel.

The joint service will provide the following port coverage.

Shanghai, Ningbo, Hongkong, Shekou, Singapore, Santos, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Navegantes, Paranagua, Santos, Rio de Janeiro, Cape Town (*), Singapore, Hongkong and Shanghai.

(*) Only K Line and PIL will offer service to Cape Town.

K Line and PIL will not launch their planned service in June 2009.