MSC container

Shipping line MSC will launch a new service linking the Port of Oakland with South-East Asia in November.

The weekly Sentosa service will call at ports in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

“We’re excited to welcome MSC’s service because Southeast Asia is an important, growing market,” said Port of Oakland maritime director Bryan Brandes. “We’re also gratified that the shipping industry continues to acknowledge Oakland’s role in world trade by adding more and more capacity.”

The Port of Oakland said the Sentosa service would be welcomed by exporters, as well as importers.

“Shippers in both directions have faced challenges finding vessel space for their cargo,” according to a release from the Port of Oakland. “The crunch is delaying shipments and driving all-time high freight rates. MSC’s large vessels, capable of carrying more than 10,000 TEU containers, should reduce pressure.”