Cosco Container Lines is to restore capacity on its weekly North China-US Southwest Express service by bringing back six 7,500 TEU vessels to replace the six current 5,500 TEU vessels. The Chinese carrier will introduce the larger capacity vessels to the string between 24 April and the end of May.

In addition, Cosco will add a port call at Ningbo into the service, which it operates as part of the CKYH Alliance with K Line, Yang Ming and Hanjin.

The increase in capacity was in response to requests from importers and exporters. However, a Cosco spokesman said the company was still in a precarious position with regard to current freight levels and the rising cost of moving cargo.