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Swire Projects Launches Transpacific Service

[ January 12, 2024   //   ]

Swire Projects, the projects and heavy-lift shipping arm of Swire Shipping, has launched a dedicated semi-liner service between East Asia and the West Coast of North America.

The service, which previously operated on an ad hoc basis, will improve connectivity and support growing demand for breakbulk and project cargo transportation into the West Coast and the interior while also avoiding the need to route cargo via the Panama Canal.

The semi liner service connects the base ports of Qingdao and Taicang in China and ports en route, with Everett, Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia, and will also offer inducement calls at various ports in Southeast Asia, the U.S. West Coast and Mexico.

Rufus Frere-Smith, Regional Head of Americas at Swire Projects, emphasized the significance of the company’s established presence in the in the West Coast built up over decades.

“We have existing infrastructure in the (West Coast) region and strong local relationships with key terminals and service providers,” said Rufus Frere-Smith, regional head of Americas for Sire Projects. “Project cargo into the West Coast is frequently carried by conventional bulk carrier operators because there is a lack of other regular options, but Swire Projects can provide a different level of service with its in-house engineering, local port captains, knowledgeable operations staff and superior cargo care.”

The service will utilize Swire Projects’ H Class 28,500 deadweight-ton multipurpose vessels, supplemented by its I Type, 19,000 dwt MPVs. Both ship types are open hatched, tweendeckers with lifting capacities of 160 to 480 tonnes and are able to accommodate a wide range of cargoes, including project cargo, breakbulk, IMDG, steel, forest products and dry bulk.

“This semi-liner service will provide our customers with a more flexible and efficient transportation option between East Asia and the West Coast of North America,” said Namir Khanbabi, general manager of Swire Projects. “We are confident that our versatile H Class vessels, combined with our extensive knowledge of the regions and our experienced team, will allow us to provide a high-quality service to our customers.”

The service will be led by Rufus Frere-Smith from Swire Projects’ Vancouver office with support from offices in Shanghai, Singapore, Houston and Hamburg.

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