Halifax, Nova Scotia – Tropical Shipping is set to begin its service from the Port of Halifax, Nova Scotia. On January 9, 2017, the Vega Omega voyage 0011 will depart Halterm International Container Terminal bringing improved import and export connectivity to customers in Florida, The Bahamas, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. At 148 metres length, the Vega Omega, a 1,118 TEU capacity geared-vessel, will handle more than 550 containers through Halifax in peak-season, including more than 200 refrigerated containers for export. Tropical Shipping’s VP Commercial & Trades, Tim Martin said the company is pleased to offer an enhanced Canadian service from Halifax. “We are committed to our Maritime customers and to fully maximizing our extensive Caribbean network. With our new vessels due to start service in June 2018, Tropical Shipping is working closely with Halterm, CN and the Port of Halifax to build on our specialized reefer trade, all the while enhancing our reputation for loyal customer service.” Halterm maintains a basic workforce of more than 100 longshoremen. According to Kim Holtermand, Halterm’s Chief Operating Officer, this ensures, “the terminal can meet both Tropical Shipping’s performance needs in 2017 and plan for extended operations in 2018 through 2019 when Tropical will take delivery of larger capacity vessels.” The carrier further stands to gain by improved inland connectivity as a result of Halterm’s on-dock CN rail operation direct to Montreal and Toronto, and the terminal’s extensive short-sea shipping links. Tropical Shipping Canada cargo cut off times: Halifax – all cargo Friday 4:30 p.m. (AST) Toronto – Dry cargo Thursday 8:00 p.m. (EST) / Refrigerated cargo Thursday 2:00 p.m. (EST) Montreal – Dry cargo Thursday 9:00 p.m. (EST) / Refrigeration cargo Thursday 3:00 p.m. (EST) Documentation cut off is Thursday noon Tropical Shipping’s new Less Than Container Load (LCL) receiving warehouse location: Midland Terminal 31 Simmonds Dr. Dartmouth, NS B3B 1R4 LCL Receiving hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Cargo and Documentation cut off is Wednesday noon.