Liner Shipping Service: Manatee/Mexico

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New Shipping Service Links Port Manatee and Coatzacoalcos

A new direct, weekly shipping service is offering a direct two-way connection between Mexico and U.S. markets for refrigerated produce and other goods via the ports of Port Manatee in Florida and Coatzacoalcos in the state of Veracruz. Both ports are AAPA Corporate members.

The service by World Direct Shipping, slated to begin with an Oct. 28 call at Port Manatee, will focus on fulfilling a need for a more prompt link for perishable and nonperishable goods.

"With a transit time of only 2.5 days, World Direct Shipping offers the quickest short-sea connection to the U.S. Southeast, Northeast and Midwest," said Carlos Diaz, business director of World Direct Shipping. "Port Manatee’s proximity to Mexico is ideal for this service. This new fast connection will offer reduced costs and enhanced delivery of a fresher product to consumers east of the Mississippi River."

The weekly itinerary will be operated with the containership Falmouth, which has a nominal capacity of TEUs container units and is equipped with 204 plugs to provide power to refrigerated containers.

Prospective cargoes include pineapples, avocados, limes, mangoes and bananas; other expected cargoes include machinery, vehicles, lumber, paper products, juice concentrates, sugar and beer.