On May 27, a weekly Southeast Asia service via the Suez Canal began at Conley Terminal adding new direct destinations for New England shippers including Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam. It is estimated that as many as 400 local and regional jobs will be created over time as a result of the two new services.
“The New England-Halifax Shuttle is great news for Boston providing New England shippers with a vital connection to Eastern Canada’s main trans-shipment hub,” said Mike Leone, Port Director for the Massachusetts Port Authority. “The commencement of the new service also demonstrates that the $70 million Massport has invested in terminal infrastructure over the last few years has dramatically improved our efficiency and competiveness.”
In addition to Boston, the New England-Halifax Shuttle will call Portland, Maine linking them both with Halifax’s South End and Fairview Cove container terminals. This is the first of many services that AFL hopes to implement as part of a planned marine highway connecting ports along the East and Gulf Coasts with an all-water link. As container lines put larger ships into service, AFL’s coastwise network would allow these vessels to unload their cargo onto feeder ships destined for smaller ports. The initiative aims to increase efficiency, help reduce road congestion and be more environmentally-friendly.
“I am pleased to announce our new shuttle service that will expand New England’s worldwide trade connections through the Port of Boston,” said Rudy Mack, COO, American Feeder Lines. “The investments Massport has made to modernize its container terminal greatly contribute to our goal to provide importers and exporters with reliable, cost-effective global access between Boston and the two Halifax terminals.”
