Philadelphia benefits from South America services
The Holt Group said business at the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal in Philadelphia is benefiting from calls by new services operated by Maersk and CMA CGM from the West Coast of South America.
Maersk said last month its new weekly Spondylus service that connects Ecuador and Peru with U.S. East Coast ports will include a call in Philadelphia.
Maersk highlighted its use of advanced reefer containers and the benefit of the service to fruit exporters, saying fresh bananas from Ecuador can be delivered to Miami in just six days. Holt said it expects ships will also discharge fruit and produce in Philadelphia.
“The fact that the world’s most prominent lines want to do business with us is great news for the Port of Philadelphia and highlights the port’s ever-growing role in the world’s commerce markets,” said Thomas J. Holt Jr., president of Astro Holdings Inc., which leases the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal under a long-term concession with the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority.
Holt said cargo volumes at Packer Avenue increased 10 percent and 200 jobs were added in 2010.
Maersk's announcement follows the decision by CMA CGM to have its Black Pearl service, which also calls the West Coast of South America, to begin calling at Packer Avenue on Jan. 28.
CMA CGM will deploy six vessels in the service, which connects ports in Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Panama and Jamaica with Miami, Philadelphia, Halifax and New York.
Holt said those ships are also moving refrigerated cargo through the Packer Avenue terminal.
Philadelphia benefits from South America services
