Horizon Lines has added thousands of containers to its fleet in preparation for the start of its new transpacific service in December.

The carrier will launch its weekly Five Star Express service using five 2,824teu capacity Hunter Class vessels offering port calls at Shanghai and Ningbo in Central China and Los Angeles and Oakland in California on 13 December.

Horizon, which said more than 45% of capacity for its first sailing was now booked, has taken delivery of some 12,500 new containers to help support the service which will provide an 11-day port-to-port transit from Shanghai to LA, with Monday morning cargo availability every week at LA.

"We continue to make great progress with our new China service," said Brian Taylor, Senior Vice President of International Services at Horizon Lines. "Market receptivity remains very strong."

"US importers are diversifying their ocean shipping contracts to adjust to ongoing capacity fluctuations in the transpacific. We have engaged with our customers to capitalize on these opportunities and are finding success as a niche player recognised for schedule integrity and customer service."

Horizon saw adjusted net income fall to US$11 million in its fiscal third quarter ended 19 September from US$11.4 million last year as its services to Puerto Rico, Hawaii/Guam and Alaska recorded volume downturns.