Hamburg Sud and Maersk are launch a joint stand-alone service connecting Europe and the key perishables markets of Central America, the Caribbean and the western coast of South America, with the Port of Antwerp the first call In northern Europe.
The service is designed to provide a fast, direct connection between the Chilean ports of San Vincente and San Antonio, and northern Europe.
In addition an extensive regional feeder network will link the main ports of Peru, Ecuador and Colombia via transshipment hubs in Panama.
The first northbound sailing of the new SAWC1 service is scheduled for 10 June. The “Luna Maersk” will depart from San Antonio, and is set to arrive in Antwerp on 4 July. The first southbound sailing is Lexa Maersk with ETD from Antwerp on 6 June.
“Antwerp is very pleased to welcome the first port of call service,' said Michiel Vermeiren, manager shipping lines at Port of Antwerp. 'Our inland and central location in Europe offers perishables clients very short transit times to reach key consumer markets in Belgium, France, The Netherlands, Germany and beyond.
'The new service confirms that carriers, such as Hamburg Sud and Maersk, trust in the operational excellence of Port of Antwerp for containerised cargo in general, and perishables in particular,' he added.
Ingrid Vanstreels, key account manager containerized cargo at Port of Antwerp, said: “Our ambition is being the preferred perishables port in Europe. Therefore the Antwerp port community eagerly invests in additional capacity, technology, and stimulates cooperation.
'Together with logistical service providers and the Customs & Food Agency services, Port of Antwerp tackles cold chain challenges jointly. Our key objective? Guaranteeing operational excellence for each perishable client.”
