APL celebrated the New Year with a maiden US-flag call, four weeks later than originally planned.

The appropriately named APL Guam called in Guam for the first time on 1 January arriving from the Japan as part of the Guam Saipan Express (GSX) service. Prior to calling Guam the 1,100 teu capacity vessel had called in Saipan.

The maiden US-flag call in Guam had been expected to take place on 6 December 2015, however, tougher US Coast Guard checks on US-flagged vessels following the fatal sinking of the El Faro in October meant the start of the new service was delayed.

From Guam the APL Guam will return to Yokohama to begin a regular two-week rotation, calling Guam, Saipan, Busan and Yokohama.

“With 75% of Guam’s inbound freight originating from the US mainland, the GSX service provides essential cargo shipments from the US mainland to Guam and Saipan,” said John Selleck, APL gm Guam/Micronesia.

“Moreover, with the GSX’s connections in Yokohama and Busan, we connect Guam and Saipan with the world through APL’s global network.”