Port of Charleston signs deal with Mediterranean Shipping
The South Carolina State Ports Authority said it has signed a five-year deal with Mediterranean Shipping Co., the world’s second-largest container carrier, which will result in more than 230 ship calls per year.
“This is a significant event for the Port of Charleston and our customers,” said Bernard S. Groseclose Jr., president and chief executive officer of the port authority. “A commitment of this nature is a clear signal of MSC’s confidence in our port community and the cargo base that we serve.”
Chris Parvin, vice president of marine operations for MSC, said the company has been operating 6,700-TEU post-Panamax ships in Charleston on a regular schedule for about a year.
“These operations have been performing extremely well. We have experienced high productivity and a quick turnaround, which is a critical factor in our industry,” Parvin said. “This productivity, in combination with other key factors — deep water, close proximity to the open ocean and the ability of all the port’s vendors, including the port authority, pilots and tugs to efficiently handle these deep drafted vessels — should continue to boost growth for our business at the Port of Charleston.”
The company’s existing services include two transatlantic services, along with services to the West Mediterranean, South America and Africa.
The new contract provides for the centralization of all MSC services in Charleston from North Charleston and Columbus Street Terminals to the Wando Welch Terminal by early this summer.
