'We are very pleased to be able to offer our clients a new weekly Central America service,' said Allen Clifford, Executive Vice President Commercial at MSC (USA) headquarters in New York City. 'The company already has significant service commitments in South America with our ongoing services to both the East and West Coasts. By adding Central America, MSC extends its reach to cover the entire continent with its unsurpassed service.'
Using its Freeport Bahamas hub, MSC will operate a dedicated 886-TEU capacity container vessel, on a weekly schedule between Freeport and the two Central American ports of Santo Tomas and Puerto Cortes. In addition, MSC will be able to offer inland and oncarriage services to El Salvador and Nicaragua via these new ports of call.
Southbound sailings from Charleston, Port Everglades, New Orleans, Houston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore , Norfolk, Savannah and Jacksonville will connect with the company's dedicated Central America service vessel in Freeport, Bahamas every week. Transit times to Central America will vary depending upon the US port of call, with six to ten days anticipated.
'Historically, MSC always does its homework before committing its ships, equipment and people to a particular service route, and Central America is no exception,' Clifford continued. 'When the company launches a service, it's with the intention of remaining there long term, and I'm sure the same will be true with Central America'we'll be there for the long haul.'
