APL announced the launch of the Japan Straits Express (JSX) service " a new weekly service which directly links the Kanto and Kansai regions of Japan with the key transshipment hubs of Singapore and Port Klang in Malaysia for global connectivity to the world's markets.

"We are proud to introduce the new JSX service as APL's first dedicated Japan shuttle to Singapore and Port Klang. The JSX service will well-support Japan's international trade activities, offering shippers direct access to APL's extensive global linehaul network at the two transshipment hubs for prime connectivity to the Western markets. Coupled with competitive transit times for shipments between Japan and the India Subcontinent, Middle East and other regions, this new service will facilitate business ambitions to broaden market horizons and unlock new opportunities into and out of Japan, said Chan Khai Tou, APL Head of Intra-Asia Short Sea Services.

The new JSX service will call the ports of Yokohama, Tokyo, Nagoya, Kobe, Singapore and Port Klang. The first sailing will commence from Yokohama on 17 April 2017.