APL, Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) - and CMA CGM announced additional winter capacity plans for the trade between Asia and the US East Coast via Panama Canal.

Late last month, the New World Alliance carriers APL, HMM and MOL announced that they would be withdrawing more capacity to the US West Coast and earlier than in previous years in the face of an unprecedented rise in operating costs ' particularly for fuel.

The latest announcement will see APL, HMM, MOL and CMA CGM reduce capacity to the US East Coast by withdrawing some sailings in their ESX/SAX deployment.

APL, HMM, MOL and CMA CGM confirm that service will continue to be provided at all existing port locations and the carriers will have sufficient capacity to meet demand for cargo transportation services in the Transpacific during the winter season.

APL, HMM, MOL and CMA CGM remain committed to providing customers with premium global container shipping services. However, they did not rule out future additional network adjustments to minimize the impact of dramatically higher costs on their respective businesses.