MSC’s new Jaxport/Central America service

   The liner carrier Mediterranean Shipping Co. has started service between the Port of Jacksonville and two Central American ports, the Jacksonville Port Authority said Friday.
   The service will connect the Florida port’s Talleyrand Marine Terminal and the Central American ports of Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala and Puerto Cortez, Honduras, as well as providing connections from Jacksonville to MSC’s hub in Freeport, Bahamas.
   The rotation is Jacksonville, Savannah, Freeport, Santo Tomas de Castilla, Puerto Cortez, Freeport, and Jacksonville.
   According to American Shipper affiliate ComPair Data, there are no existing services that link Jacksonville with Santo Tomas de Castilla or Puerto Cortez.
   The port authority noted the principal commodities Guatemala and Honduras trade with the United States are agricultural products such as bananas, vegetables, coffee, and shrimp, in addition to textiles, garments, and minerals. Both countries are also significant export markets for U.S. products such as agricultural machinery, chemicals, building materials and general consumer merchandise.
   “MSC’s move emphasizes Jaxport’s growing role in the efficient movement of goods between the U.S. and Central America,” said Jaxport’s Chief Executive Officer Paul Anderson. “More importantly, the change underscores the shift that’s taking place as shippers and cargo owners recognize the efficiencies that Jaxport offers and respond to the opportunities they find here.” – Eric Johnson