Israeli owner Zim has confirmed the charter of Costamare's 11,000-teu Cape Sounion for the Asia to South America east coast (ASE) trade.

The company said it had brought the vessel in to respond to "growing market needs."

The ship embarked on its maiden voyage from Pusan, South Korea, last month.

It is calling in Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina - the largest vessel on the loop, as well as Zim's biggest ship.