Port of Charleston Boosts South American Coverage

April 25, 2005
Latin American trade for the port represents 15% of total business, ranking only behind North Europe (37%) and Asia (26%)

Latin American trade for the port represents 15% of total business, ranking only behind North Europe (37%) and Asia (26%). Charleston’s three top imports are consumer goods, machinery and miscellaneous cargo while its three top exports are foodstuffs, miscellaneous cargo and paper products.

Three new South American services have begun using Charleston which already handles 10% of all U.S. containerized trade with the region. Chile’s Compañia Sud Americana de Vapores, the largest Latin American carrier began direct service – every 10 days – between northern Europe, Charleston and the West Coast of South America. Ships of the line average a 1,650 TEU capacity.

Americas Bridge Express (Abex) ships have average capacities of 2,500 TEUs. The new fixed-day weekly service is a joint project of P&O Nedlloyd and France’s CMA CGM. The service makes Charleston the first inbound port from Brazil.

Maersk Sealand has begun weekly, fixed day service to Charleston, connecting the port to Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.