Maersk has launched a new service called ‘Qilin’, which set sail from Shanghai on 24 July.

It operates once a week, calling first at Sydney and then Melbourne.

The journey from Shanghai takes approximately 14 days to Sydney and 17 days to Melbourne—which is between four and nine days faster than the current Dragon service.

The return journey times have also changed: the voyage from Sydney to Shanghai takes approximately 19 days, whilst the journey from Melbourne is actually quicker, taking around 15 days.

This route is primarily intended to meet the transport demand between East China and the east coast of Australia, whilst also providing importers and exporters with an additional option.

If you are shipping cargo on this route, we recommend keeping a close eye on the maiden voyage date and booking arrangements.