Port Everglades is now connected to the Far East with a direct ocean shipping service for the first time since 2011. The first ship in the service, MSC Rochelle, is in port today, September 30, 2022.

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), one of the world's largest ocean carriers, launched its new Zephyr service this summer with direct weekly connections from northern China and South Korea to the Southeast United States. The Zephyr service includes a direct call to Port Everglades, which previously had only been offered via transshipment.

"Port Everglades is experiencing a surge in cargo coming from new markets throughout the world thanks to MSC and the company's recognition of the port's growth potential as we deepen and widen our navigation channels and invest in cranes and other cargo handling infrastructure," said Port Everglades Chief Executive and Port Director Jonathan Daniels.

The service route goes from Shanghai to Ningbo, Busan, Cristobal, Houston, Port Everglades, Savannah, Lazaro Cardenas, and back to Shanghai.

Port Everglades had a taste of China earlier this month with the arrival of the MSC Alina, another MSC ship that is not part of the Zephyr service. MSC diverted the ship from another port to Port Everglades for just one call.