G6 + Z

1. Reefer containers from several lines await use at Halterm in March, Zim in the foreground.

In mid-March it was announced that the G6 Alliance of container lines would be starting six new services from Asia to the US and Canadian east coasts, three via Suez and three via Panama. As far as could be determined only one of those will be calling in Halifax, the A2X loop sailing from Laem Chebang (Thailand), Singapore, Colombo, Damietta (Egypt), Cagliari, Halifax, New York, Savannah, Norfolk, Cagliari, Damietta, Jebel Ali (Saudi Arabia), Singapore, Laem Chebang.
Details were scanty on whose ships would be running and on what type of schedule.
The US Federal Maritime Commission agreed to the six lines chartering and exchanging space on each other's ships and to co-ordinate services to the US east coast only (not the west coast). Reportedly some 50 ships are involved including six US flag ships.
G6 Alliance members are NYK Line, Hyundai Merchant Marine, OOCL, Mitsui OSK Line (MOL), Hapag-Lloyd, and APL (American President Lines, which will contribute the US flag ships.)

Today it was announced that Zim will take slots on three of the Suez routes and contribute five ships to the A2Z loop. The loop will use 10 ships altogether, in the 4500 to 5100 TEU range. Zim certainly has numerous 4500 TEU ships which already call in Halifax.  With 10 ships on the loop, there will likely be weekly service.
Since two of the G6 lines and Zim already call in Halifax, but at competing piers, it will interesting to see which of the terminals gets the new line, Halterm (Zim) or Fairview Cove (H-L, OOCL).