TS Lines will quit the transpacific trades from next month when it withdraws its single vessel operated on the Asia-US west coast (AWC) service that is jointly operated with SeaLead and KMTC. 

According to Linerlytica, an Asia-based consultancy, the 2,954 teu TS Tacoma will end its AWC rotation at Busan on 29 October and will be redeployed to the China-Australia CA3 service. 

The news comes as other niche players exit the transpacific as new US port fees kick in today and rates on the tradelane slide. Transpacific spot rates are down by around 60% year-on-year. 

China’s Hede Shipping has also recently cut its exposure on the transpacific ahead of today’s introduction of increased American port fees on China-linked tonnage.