The CKYH Alliance, comprising Cosco, "K" Line, Yang Ming and Hanjin Shipping, has announced it will launch a new AWE-6 Far East-US east coast service via the Suez Canal from May 1 to replace the current AWE-5 loop that uses Panama, reports maritime analyst Alphaliner.

Operating with nine postpanamax vessels of 5,000-7,500 TEU with a nine-week voyage, the forthcoming AWE-6 calls at Xiamen, Hong Kong, Shenzhen-Yantian, Cai Mep, Singapore, Colombo, New York, Norfolk, Savannah, Jeddah and back to Xiamen via Singapore.

In contrast, the current AWE-5 runs with nine 3,400-4,300 TEU vessels and calls at Kaohsiung, Shenzhen-Yantian, Shanghai, Busan, (Panama Canal), New York, Norfolk, Savannah, (Panama Canal) and back to Kaohsiung.