Singapore – In a move set to reshape the maritime landscape, Swire Projects, the heavyweight shipping arm of Swire Shipping, has unveiled a dedicated semi liner service connecting East Asia with the West Coast of North America. This service, previously ad hoc, marks a strategic step to bolster cargo connectivity and address the escalating demand for dependable breakbulk and project cargo transportation into the West Coast, sidestepping the Panama Canal.
Swire Projects’ semi liner service charts a course from base ports Qingdao and Taicang in China, threading through ports in Southeast Asia, to culminate in Everett, Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia. Offering inducement calls at key ports in Southeast Asia, the US West Coast, and Mexico, the service ensures a comprehensive network for its clientele.
Rufus Frere-Smith, Regional Head of Americas at Swire Projects, underscored the company’s robust presence in the West Coast built over decades. “We feel that there is room in the market for a quality-oriented, project carrier,” noted Rufus. The company distinguishes itself with in-house engineering, local port captains, seasoned operations staff, and superior cargo care, addressing the gap in regular options for project cargo transportation.
The transpacific semi liner service leverages Swire Projects’ H Class 28,500 deadweight MPP vessels, complemented by I Type, 19,000 dwt MPPs. These open-hatched, tweendecker ships boast lifting capacities ranging from 160 to 480 MT, ensuring versatility in handling diverse cargoes.
To navigate the complexities of transporting delicate cargoes, a dedicated transport engineering team supports the service. Swire Projects’ commitment to quality management systems and cargo care is underscored by ABS Quality Evaluations certifications for ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018.
Namir Khanbabi, General Manager of Swire Projects, affirmed, “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.”
Rufus Frere-Smith will spearhead the service from Swire Projects’ Vancouver office, backed by offices in Shanghai, Singapore, Houston, and Hamburg. This strategic alignment ensures seamless coordination and efficient operations across multiple regions.
With the launch of this transpacific semi liner service, Swire Projects underscores its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the global trade community. By delivering reliable, efficient, and quality-driven transportation solutions, Swire Projects aims to foster increased trade and drive economic growth between Asia and the West Coast of North America.
