Doug J. Marchand, Executive Director of the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA), the Grand Alliance, comprised of OOCL, NYK Hapag-Lloyd, and the New World Alliance, comprised of APL, MOL and Hyundai Merchant Marine announced the addition of the Asia-East Coast service (also known as the EC3 service), a new express, all-water service between Asia and Savannah via the Panama Canal.

'The Asia-East Coast will be an excellent addition to Port of Savannah's strong line-up of Asian services,' said Marchand. 'The Grand Alliance and New World Alliance will help meet a growing international demand for the excellent services provided by the Georgia Ports Authority.'

The Asia-East Coast will be a weekly service and make its first call on Savannah in September. Port rotation is Shanghai, Chiwan, Shekou, Hong Kong, Manzanillo, Savannah, Norfolk and back to Shanghai. The Asia-East Coast is an express service from Asia to Savannah further reducing transit times in all-water services to the East Coast.

'This additional Asia-US East Coast all-water service strengthens our commitment to meet the demand of our customers for all-water space from the growing cargo sourcing areas. We are also glad to have the opportunity to offer this through working with the GPA,' said Stephen Ng, Senior VP, Transpacific Trade, OOCL.

'APL is excited about the launching of our new EC3 all water service that will soon be calling at the Georgia Ports Authority,' said George Hearn, Vice President Managing Director, U.S. Southern Region, American President Lines. 'Savannah is a key receiving point for major retails shipments into the United States East Coast, and the EC3 will increase our ability to serve customers in the region.'

The recent opening of Phase One of Savannah's newest container berth, CB8, the ongoing increases to container storage areas and other equipment additions are part of the Port of Savannah's 10 year, $750 million improvement plan to boost container capacity, Marchand explained.