First voyage on COSCO’s ANE service sails from Sydney

THE first voyage of COSCO’s trans-Tasman Australia New Zealand Express (ANE) was marked in a ceremony at Hutchison’s Sydney International Container Terminal at Port Botany on Friday.

The service, running in partnership with OOCL, calls the ports of Melbourne, Bell Bay, Sydney and Auckland.

The 1100-TEU containership Contship Yen is deployed on the fortnightly service.

A ceremony was held on Friday (19 May) to mark the opening of the new service.

COSCO Shipping Oceania Vice-president and managing director Captain Kang said the launch of the ANE service marked a milestone in the history of COSCO Shipping in Australia.

“This is a new starting point for COSCO Shipping Lines’ further development of Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific markets,” he said.

Hutchison Ports Australia CEO John Willy congratulated the companies on their new service, saying that there are only a few lines that offer a trans-Tasman service.

“And there are even fewer services that include Tasmania as well,” he said.

“I see that as a good thing for the shippers in this room. They have more choices and options in the coastal market.”