Hatsu Marine Ltd is set to make its European debut in January 2004 with the launch of a weekly service linking North Europe and China. This is seen as a precursor to a much broader range of services that will be rolled out gradually during 2004/5.

Hatsu Marine Limited, a UK company with its headquarters in London, was established by the Evergreen Group as a UK-flag container shipping company in January 2002. Its first ship was the 6332TEU Hatsu Eagle, completed in October 2001. Three sister vessels - Hatsu Envoy, Hatsu Excel and Hatsu Elite - entered service in 2002 while the fifth ship in the E-type series from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Hatsu Ethic, was delivered in January 2003. The company also took delivery this year of two 1618TEU P-type vessels, Hatsu Pride in January and Hatsu Prima in July.

The E-type vessels are currently operating in the transpacific trades between the Far East and North America and through a series of slot exchange agreements with other Evergreen Group members, Hatsu now offers US and Asian customers seven weekly transpacific services, details of which can be found on the Hatsu website www.hatsu-marine.com

The new North Europe – China service will utilise slots on Lloyd Triestino’s CEM service which offers weekly sailings linking the following ports:

Initially, Hatsu will be focusing on the North European market but expects to extend its coverage to the Mediterranean in due course. Furthermore, it is expected that Hatsu will take slot allocations on additional Europe - Asia services so as to increase the frequency and range of ports it is able to offer its new customer base. Other services will also be introduced according to market demands.

Looking ahead to 2005 and beyond, Hatsu will be taking delivery of an as yet unspecified number of newbuildings including several post-Panamax vessels. These are expected to enter service on the transpacific and Europe – Asia trades.

All Hatsu vessels fly the UK flag and the company is now expanding its UK-based ship management expertise to guarantee the safe, efficient and reliable operation of its fleet and to ensure that all of its vessels comply with the national and international regulations governing the operation of UK-registered ships flying the Red Ensign. Hatsu is committed to excellence so as to provide its customers worldwide with an extremely high level of service.