The AEC1 service will offer fast transit times between the Indian sub-continent and Middle East with the UK – transit times of 16 days from Nhava Sheva and only seven days from Port Said are scheduled. Additionally, the service will also enable the Lines customers to book export cargo for Far East Asia with the AEC1 vessels connecting in Antwerp with the AEC2 service. The AEC2 Service connects North Europe to Far East Asia on the Eastbound leg with a dedicated Japan Feeder Service, covering the needs for a connection from Japan to Korea over Pusan. David Gledhill, Chief Executive Officer of Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited, which owns London Thamesport, commented: ‘We are pleased to have been chosen to host this new high-speed service which represents a significant commitment to the future by UASC. In the current economic climate, it is important that high customer satisfaction standards and commitment to service are maintained, and this new European service will support London Thamesport in delivering and upholding these qualities in the coming year.’ The Line uses six ships with capacities ranging from 3,800 to 5,000 TEU’s. The UASC Al Farahidi has a deadweight of 49993 tonnes and a capacity of 3,800 TEU. The Port rotation of the service is as follows: Khorfakkan – Port Qasim – Nhava Sheva – Pipavav – Suez Canal – Port Said – London Thamesport – Antwerp – Hamburg – Rotterdam and Khorfakkan.