Swire Group's marine services arm The China Navigation Company (CNCo) will through its liner shipping division Swire Shipping take delivery of four new multipurpose 22,100dwt "Chief Class" vessels from Ouhua Shipyard over the next two months.

After the deliveries, Swire plans to launch a new express service between North Asia, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia in July 2015, deploying two of the newbuild 1,627teu MPVs to service this route.

The North Asia Express (NAX) service will provide a direct link between North Asia, Townsville in Australia and Lae in PNG.

It will offer a 16-day transit between Shanghai and Lae, and a 10-day transit between Townsville and Shanghai. NAX will complement Swire Shipping's existing North Asia Trade, providing a 10-day frequency from North Asia to Lae.

Jeremy Sutton, General Manager, Asia Trades, said, "The North Asia Express service will expand Swire Shipping's network coverage across the region. This new route enhances our network of multipurpose liner services and allows us to improve our service to our customers."