Port Freeport celebrated two milestones last Thursday, October 23, 2014, when Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC) arrived and utilized the recently purchased Post Panamax ship-to-shore cranes for the first time. The purchase of the cranes allowed Port Freeport to secure MSC’s new “Banana Express” and retain Chiquita Brands International who is in a vessel sharing agreement with MSC.
“This is a very exciting time for the Port,” said Port Freeport Executive Port Director/CEO Glenn Carlson. “We are expecting a sizeable increase in volumes from all of the petrochemical companies in the Freeport region. These companies will benefit from reduced inland expense by utilizing Port Freeport and will be able to further reduce these logistical costs by utilizing the “Heavy Lift” corridor,” explained Carlson.The “Banana Express” will initially deploy five 2,500 TEU vessels servicing the Caribbean market and provide access to new markets via MSC’s global market.