South Carolina Ports has expanded its connectivity with South America, offering six weekly services between Charleston and the region.
The latest development follows the addition of Charleston to CMA CGM’s AMERXL service. The fixed-day weekly service connects Southeast US shippers with key ports in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Chile.
The AMERXL service provides importers with additional refrigerated container capacity from major seafood, produce and flower-producing regions.
Meanwhile, US exporters gain greater access to South American markets for protein and other food products.
“The USA Poultry & Egg Export Council welcomes the additional export capacity out of the Port of Charleston,” said Greg Tyler, President and CEO of USAPEEC.
“This service creates another gateway for US food and agricultural producers to access South America, ensuring US food products remain competitive in the global market,” he added.
SC Ports said the additional capacity comes as population and economic growth across the US Southeast continues to outpace the rest of the country.
“As the Southeast population continues to grow, enhanced cold-chain access is critical for importers in the region,” said Micah Mallace, CEO of SC Ports.
“SC Ports provides highly efficient reefer handling service, more than 2,000 reefer slots and ample cold-storage facilities near the Port of Charleston,” he added.
Exporters using the AMERXL service will benefit from southbound transit times ranging from five to 17 days.
The service follows this rotation:
Port Everglades – Philadelphia – New York – Charleston – Cartagena – Guayaquil – Callao – San Antonio
