OOCL launches new TLA3 service
Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) has announced the introduction of its new Transpacific Latin Atlantic Service 3 (TLA3), expanding its container shipping network between the Far East and the East Coast of South America.
The new service is scheduled to commence in mid-December 2026, providing direct connections between major Chinese ports and key South American markets.
The TLA3 service will connect Ningbo, Shanghai and Shekou with Santos and Navegantes in Brazil, Montevideo in Uruguay and Buenos Aires in Argentina.
According to OOCL, the additional service is intended to strengthen network coverage and increase sailing frequency across the trade.
OOCL TLA3 service port rotation
The new service will operate the following port rotation:
Ningbo – Shanghai – Shekou – Singapore – Santos – Navegantes – Montevideo – Buenos Aires – Navegantes – Santos – Coega – Singapore – Hong Kong – Ningbo.
OOCL noted that the calls at Coega in South Africa and Hong Kong remain subject to further confirmation.
The rotation includes two calls each at Santos and Navegantes, providing connections with Brazilian ports on both the southbound and return legs of the service.
Singapore will serve as an intermediate port on both legs, linking the Asian and South American sections of the rotation.
New service to expand South American coverage
The introduction of TLA3 will add another connection between China’s major container gateways and South America’s Atlantic coast.
The service will cover Brazil’s principal container markets alongside Uruguay and Argentina, extending OOCL’s network options for cargo moving between the two regions.
The planned launch in December comes as OOCL continues developing its international liner network, with the new rotation intended to provide additional sailing options for customers using the Far East–East Coast South America trade.
The carrier has not disclosed the number or capacity of vessels assigned to TLA3, the precise date of the inaugural sailing or detailed transit times.
Further information is also expected regarding the proposed calls at Coega and Hong Kong, which have yet to be confirmed.
