The Port of Charleston's reach to South American trading partners will increase next year, as Chilean carrier CSAV Group brings on additional capacity on its weekly USATLAN service. Beginning in the third quarter of 2009, CSAV will replace vessels able to accommodate 2,500 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) with 3,500-TEU ships. The move is part of upgrades to five of CSAV's services covering the East Coast of South America. 'We wish to continue offering our customers reliable service and better options,' said Felipe Olavarria, senior vice president of South American trades at CSAV's New York office. 'The upgraded service coupled with Charleston's high productivity is a win-win for our customer base. The East Coast of South America offers a steadily growing export opportunity for South Carolina businesses,' said Fred Stribling, vice president of marketing and sales for the S.C. State Ports Authority. 'Last year, exports in that trade lane increased 19%.' The USATLAN service calls the Wando Welch Terminal every seven days and connects Charleston with the East Coast South American ports of Puerto Cabello in Venezuela, Rio de Janeiro, Santos, Salvador and Sao Francisco do Sul in Brazil. Other participating carriers on the service include Hanjin, Hamburg Sud, Alianca, Yang Ming, K Line and Libra. 
'
In 2007, the South American trade lane accounted for 11% of Charleston's total container business.