Matson Navigation Co. launched expanded China service this week that  will double the ocean shipper’s trade between that country and California.

The first departures were from Hong Kong and Yantian with a new second weekly call at Shanghai.

The new weekly service allows Matson, a subsidiary of Honolulu-based Alexander & Baldwin Inc., to extend its reach to the South China region, including Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta.

With the second string of vessels, Matson will now offer twice weekly service from Shanghai, and weekly service from Hong Kong, Yantian, Xiamen and Ningbo to Long Beach, Calif.

The expanded service also features a new direct westbound service to China that links Southern California and the U.S. interior to Hong Kong, Shanghai and the Pearl River Delta. 

Matson, which began serving China in 2006, is chartering five ships from other companies that will operate the ships for Matson.

“Matson’s expanded service is a direct response to the exceptionally positive support we’ve received from customers who have benefited from the numerous advantages of our China service over the past four years,” said Dave Hoppes senior vice president, ocean services, for Matson.

The new Matson service won’t increase service to Hawaii or Guam.