Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. ("K" Line) and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) announced a new joint service called New Andes that will link Asia, Mexico, and the West Coast of South America in April 2006.

The companies, along with Royal P&O Nedlloyd N.V. (P&O Nedlloyd), currently serve this trade through a joint service that will be dissolved next April when the new service is launched.

"K" Line and MOL will provide weekly service with nine containerships in the 2000 TEU class. The new service allows "K" Line and MOL to provide sufficient space to cater to demand of this growing trade while improving customer service.

The companies are now selecting calling ports for the new service, with the goal of enhancing connections to Asia, especially the rapidly growing Shanghai and Chinese market, while serving established ports on the Mexican and South American West Coast.