Maersk Line has added a new service to both the Asia-North Europe and trans-Pacific trades, effective from April 1, 2017.

The new AE7 and TP16 services are to accommodate the expected rise in volumes as a result of the recent slot purchase agreements with Hyundai Merchant Marine and Hamburg Süd.

“With these exciting product improvements we confirm our commitment to provide extensive direct coverage and best-in-class transit times to our customers in the Asia-Europe and trans-Pacific trades,” said Silvia Ding, head of trade at Maersk Line. “Our new slot agreements require that we increase our capacity. With these service improvements we are adding the necessary capacity to match the increase in volumes. Our aim is and continues to be to manage our capacity efficiently and maintain the stability and continuity of our network.”

The AE7 service connects East China with Rotterdam and Hamburg. Transit time from Shanghai to these two ports will improve by three days each.

The TP16 service connects Asia with the South Atlantic coast of the US. Transit time from South China will improve by eight days.

Additionally, the TP3 and TP8 services between Asia and the US West Coast will be merged to form the new TP8 service, according to Maersk.