Wilmington, DE – The Port of Wilmington, Delaware had the honor of receiving the first breakbulk shipment of Chilean winter fruit to arrive in the US - for the eighth consecutive season. The m/v Green Italia, a specialized refrigerated vessel operated by Trans Global Shipping NV in the Global Reefers service, was welcomed on Monday, December 18th to the nation’s foremost marine terminal for perishable cargo.  On the 18th of December, the Green Italia commenced discharging her cargo of over 290,000 boxes of fresh cherries, blueberries, apricots, peaches, nectarines, and table grapes. Wilmington is a major port of entry and distribution center for the seasonal importation of fresh Chilean winter fruit. During this season, the Port anticipates receiving at least 25 shiploads of fruit from the Chilean ports of Valparaiso, Coquimbo, and Caldera. Global Reefers is the sole shipping line providing an express service direct from Chile to the Port of Wilmington. The arrival of the Green Italia marks the eighth year in a row that Delaware’s Port welcomed the inaugural breakbulk shipment for the 2017-18 Chilean winter fruit season – first for the entire U.S.  “We are privileged, to once again serve our customers and trade partners in support of the timely distribution of the freshest available fruit to North American Consumers,” said Gene Bailey, the Port’s Executive Director. Harold Cohen, Global Reefers Port Captain/USA Representative added, “Wilmington has been a great partner for us – our destination and, as such, critical not only to our group but to our customers. We are looking forward to another successful season.” The cargo is stored in the Port’s 800,000 sf on-dock refrigerated warehouse complex, one of North America’s largest, before distribution throughout Canada and the eastern region of the US. The Port handled over 14,100,000 boxes of Chilean fruit in the 2016-17 season. This important trade supports over 857 family sustaining jobs and annually generates $48 million in personal income, $51 million in business revenue and $5 million in tax revenue for the State and the region.