Due to deteriorating market conditions, Hamburg Süd has decided to reduce capacity in the trade between the Mediterranean and the East Coast of South America with immediate effect. This rationalisation will be achieved by combining the present two string operation into one weekly service. Total nominal capacity will be reduced by 1,700 TEU per week which should result in a more adequate balance between supply and demand. Valencia - Tarragona - Barcelona - Livorno - Vado Ligure - Malta - Dakar - Rio de Janeiro - Santos - Buenos Aires - Montevideo - Rio Grande - Paranagua - Santos - Rio de Janeiro - Pecem - Valencia. The new service configuration which will start as from the second week of March will provide for the most complete and comprehensive coverage in the trade.