---

To provide exporters even more cost-effective ocean transportation options, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) will soon offer direct export service between Jacksonville, Florida (JAXPORT) and key European and African ports as part of its APX service.

The addition of Jacksonville to the APX US eastbound port rotation aims to provide exporters with greater flexibility and expanded South Atlantic port coverage.

From Jacksonville, the APX continues with calls in Europe and connections to West and South Africa. The first APX vessel to include Jacksonville in its port rotation is scheduled to sail from TraPac’s newest terminal at JAXPORT on May 9, 2009.

The APX eastbound port rotation is as follows: Miami – Jacksonville – Savannah – Charleston – New York – Rotterdam – Bremerhaven – Felixstow.

“In today’s economy there is a very real need for more cost-effective services. By offering a direct export service from a key hub like Jacksonville, MOL is responding to that need,” said Tsuyoshi Yoshida, executive vice president, MOL Trade Management.

[Pictured: The MOL Encore, built at the IHI Marine United yard in Japan, has a total TEU capacity of 4,578.]