PARIS: France-based CMA CGM is expanding its presence at the Port of New Orleans by launching new direct weekly container service to Asia from the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal.
The company said Tuesday that the inaugural vessel, part of its PEX3 service, is scheduled to arrive Jan. 31 for service by terminal operator Ports America.
“CMA CGM is proud to be expanding our presence in New Orleans, further showing our commitment to the Gulf region, and Louisiana specifically. We look forward to continued growth in the region, and are pleased to be contributing to the evolution and development of this vital hub. In the U.S., the Group now offers a global coverage with 23 services in and out of North America to over 150 countries around the world,” said Marc Bourdon, CMA CGM America LLC President.
The faster transit times provided by the new direct service enhances the port’s reach for shippers and competitive advantage overall, according to port officials.
CMA CGM, the world’s third-largest container carrier, has called at the port since 2009 and currently operates two weekly services, the Med-Americas Service to the Caribbean and South and Central American ports from New Orleans and the Victory Bridge Service to Northern European ports.
The new service offers a 26-day transit time from Asia to New Orleans, which positions the port to grow the recently opened Mississippi River Intermodal Terminal’s service to key markets such as Memphis, Tennessee; Chicago; Detroit, Michigan; Indianapolis, Indiana and Toronto, which are all serviced daily by CN Railroad.
