Three container lines are to merge their Americas services. In what they say is a “response to market conditions that have changed significantly over the past year” Hamburg Süd, Aliança and CSAV have decided to rationalise their services in the trade between South America East Coast and North America East Coast. The lines say: “The market volumes in the trade have dropped by as much as 40% from the prior year period, necessitating these tonnage and system changes.” A statement says: “Subject to Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) approval, the much needed rationalisation will take place through the merger of the CSAV operated USAtlan Service with the Hamburg Süd and Aliança operated Tango service.” The New Tango string will be operated with seven ships with a nominal intake of 3,500 TEU each, of which five will be provided by Hamburg Süd / Aliança and two by CSAV with the following rotation: New York – Philadelphia – Norfolk – Charleston – Jacksonville – Port Everglades – Puerto Cabello – Suape – Santos – Buenos Aires – Rio Grande – Navegantes – Santos – Rio de Janeiro – Salvador – Suape – Pecem – New York