Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines is targeting Cambodian cargo with its new Vietnam to US container shipping service. MOL invited guests from Phonm Penh Port Authority to the launch of its service connecting Vietnam direct to the US west coast on June 4 from Saigon New Port’s new terminal in Cai Mep, close to Ho Chi Minh City. Katsunori Moriya, general director of MOL Vietnam said targeting Cambodian cargo was a must for the Japanese line with cargo barged from Cambodia to connect to the new mainline service to the US from Vietnam. At a later stage the Japanese line said it might consider launching new feeder services between Cai Mep and Cambodia, Thailand and Indonesia. Mr Moriya said MOL was also looking to increase its cooperation with Saigon New Port in areas such the operation of inland container depots and provision of tug boat services. Saigon New Port’s Cai Mep terminal is one of two new deepwater terminals to open in the area in the space of a week, along with the Saigon Port and PSA International joint venture SP-PSA. MOL itself is investing a terminal at Cai Mep in joint venture with Saigon New Port, Hanjin Shipping and Wan Hai Lines. The terminal is due to completed in 2011.