Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, 27 December 2007 ' The New World Alliance (TNWA) carriers ' APL, Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) ' today announced their intentions to deploy nine ships instead of the current eight ships in their Asia-Europe network.

This is under review for selected services within TNWA's current operations consisting of four services to North Europe. The implementation of this change will occur in the first quarter of 2008, subject to berthing schedules and details being finalised.

The changes enable TNWA carriers to provide additional buffer time in their schedules which are challenged by various factors in many of the ports. The sharp rise in fuel price requires TNWA to develop effective means to control their network costs and still provide high quality services.

Although an additional vessel will be required to accomplish these changes, no further capacity is being introduced to the Asia-Europe trade.

About the New World Alliance

TNWA member lines APL, Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), serve more than 40 ports using in excess of 100 containerships in the major East-West container trades.