SOUTH Korean carrier HMM has announced the launch of a new service connecting Northern Europe and the US west coast, marking its official return to transatlantic trade after a six-year hiatus, following the termination of its services in 2018.

The new service, called Transatlantic 1 (TA1), will be operated in collaboration with Singapore-based Ocean Network Express and connects Southampton, Le Havre, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, Miami, Cartagena, Rodman via the Panama Canal, then Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, and Caucedo.

TA1 will turn around in 10 weeks, providing weekly transatlantic coverage.

HMM and ONE are both members of the newly rebranded Premier Alliance, previously known as The Alliance, following Hapag-Lloyd’s decision to leave and partner with Maersk.

The Premier Alliance, which also includes Taiwanese carrier Yang Ming, will officially commence operations in February 2025.

In addition to its transatlantic expansion, HMM has also announced a new service connecting Western India to Northern Europe, called India North Europe Express (INX).

This service, which will also be operated with ONE, offers a weekly connection between Karachi, Hazira, Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Colombo, London Gateway, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp and back to Karachi using 6,000 teu ships.

HMM said INX, together with its existing India-Mediterranean and India-US east coast services, will further diversify its offerings from India and support the country’s growing international trade.

The first INX sailing will depart Karachi on February 5, 2025.