Container shipping company American President Lines Ltd has kick started its Guam Saipan Express (GSX) service with the arrival of U.S-flagged vessel, APL Guam at the island of Guam for the first time on 1 January 2016.

“We are thrilled to kick-start 2016 with the first cargo shipment on the GSX route,” said John Selleck, APL General Manager, Guam/Micronesia.

“With 75% of Guam’s inbound freight originating from the U.S. mainland, the GSX service provides essential cargo shipments from the U.S. mainland to Guam and Saipan. Moreover, with the GSX’s connections in Yokohama and Busan, we connect Guam and Saipan with the world through APL’s global network.”

Designed primarily to give Guam and Saipan shippers an alternative option for shipments from the U.S. mainland to these markets and vice versa, the GSX service connects with APL’s weekly U.S.-flagged Eagle Express service (EX1) in both Yokohama, Japan and Busan, South Korea.

Prior to calling Guam, the 1,100-TEU APL vessel made its first call to Saipan. Upon returning to Yokohama, APL Guam will begin its regular two-week rotation, calling Guam, Saipan, Busan and Yokohama on Saturday, Sunday, Thursday and Tuesday respectively. In particular, the fortnightly GSX service is scheduled for weekend arrivals for ready cargo availability on Monday mornings in both Guam and Saipan.