Maersk transatlantic string adds Mobile calls

Maersk transatlantic string adds Mobile calls    Maersk Line said it has begun calling the new Mobile Container Terminal with one of its transatlantic strings, the TA-2.
   The service, which uses U.S.-flag vessels, began calling Mobile this week with the ship Maersk Utah. Maersk said it is using newer faster vessels with average capacity of 3,500 TEUs.
   Rotation is Houston, Mobile, Norfolk, Rotterdam, Felixstowe, Bremerhaven, Charleston and Houston.
   Earlier this month, the U.S. Maritime Administration said it approved a plan by Maersk to reflag nine ships under the U.S. flag and swap them into the Maritime Security Program, replacing nine other ships. The Maersk Utah is one of those ships.
   Maersk said the new ships would allow increased hazardous cargo lift capabilities.
   The Mobile calls will provide 'direct export access for many of the largest cotton producers, chemical plants, paper mills, forest products and is near to auto manufacturing locations providing for improved supply chain benefits. In addition, the TA2 service is available for Los Angeles and Oakland cargo via landbridge.'
   Extensive feeder service is offered to other ports in North Europe, the United Kingdom and Ireland, Scandinavia and Baltic.
   'This new port offering will provide our customers with the coverage and flexibility they need,' said Bill Woodhour, sales manager for North America.
   The Mobile terminal was built and is operated by a joint venture between Maersk affiliate APM Terminals and CMA CGM. It opened last fall.