The main container shipping service between New Zealand and North Asia is axing direct calls at the ports of New Plymouth, Wellington, and Nelson, reported the New Zealand Herald.

         Erratic scheduling had disrupted the service, operated jointly by Cosco Container Lines, Hamburg Sud, NYK Line and Mitsui OSK Lines, the companies said.

         A port rotation of six North Asia ports and six in New Zealand was very challenging, leaving little contingency time in the event of inevitable weather delays or other unforeseen difficulties, the companies said.