Maersk Line announced the optimization of its AC network with the launch of its new AC1 service, connecting the West Coast of Latin America with Asia. The new service will provide Maersk Line’s customers with an improved product offering, including reduced transit times and greater port coverage on certain corridors, while maintaining the network’s stability. The AC1 service will begin operations at the end of June.

In order to improve its product offering and optimize its AC network, Maersk Line will add a third loop to the AC network as of the end of June. The AC1 service, connecting the West Coast of Latin America to Asia, will provide greater port coverage and reduced transit times on select corridors.

Although the overall capacity on the AC network will remain the same, the optimized network will deliver greater value for Maersk Line’s customers. By reducing the size of vessels operating on the AC2 service, the shipping line will be able to introduce a third loop to the network.

“We are optimizing our Asia-West Coast Latin America network to provide our customers with faster access to their markets in order to fuel their business growth. These enhancements will benefit our customers with faster cargo deliveries and more direct port coverage,” explains Dean Rodin, Head of Trade for Latin America & Oceania, Maersk Line.

The West Coast of Latin America to Asia route is paramount to the movement of fresh goods, such as fish and fruits, to Asia, as well as imports of everything from electronics, appliances, cars and toys to ceramic tiles, steel and glass to Latin America. The new service will provide better connections and improved transit times between South and East China, Taiwan and South East Asia to San Antonio in Chile and Callao in Peru. Other benefits of the AC1 service include:

  • The only direct service in the market from Nansha to West Coast South America
  • The fastest service from Chiwan to San Antonio and Callao (27 days)
  • A direct service from Shanghai to West Coast South America
  • 2 weekly sailings from Shanghai and Ningbo to West Coast South America
  • Direct call from San Vicente, Chile, to Taiwan

Maersk Line’s current strong product offering from China, Korea and Japan to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean via Panama will be maintained fully on the AC2 and AC3 services.