WASHINGTON: Governor Pat McCrory announced a new container service partnership on Monday. The new partnership will be between the North Carolina Ports, the Mediterranean Shipping Company, and Maersk Line along with the addition of the TP10/ Amberjack all-water Asia-U.S East Coast container service
“This new agreement will help businesses that depend on international commerce by enhancing our state’s connection to vital international trade routes, and allowing larger container vessels to call on the Port of Wilmington,” said Governor McCrory. The TP10/ Amberjack includes direct calls to the populated ports in Asia and is the only service offering direct linkage to the U.S. East Coast into and out of Xingag.
“The ports are a critical component of our state’s transportation system, and under Governor McCrory’s leadership, we continue to invest in improvements that are allowing our ports to meet increasing shipping demands,” Transportation Secretary Nick Tennyson said. “This new partnership is evidence that our investments are paying off and are helping to keep North Carolina at the forefront of today’s global economy.”
The new TP10/Amberjack service started in October and consists of ten Panamax 4,300-5,100 TEU ships with the arrival of the SeaLand Lightning.“North Carolina has a ripe market that continues to drive the decisions of the world’s biggest container companies,” said Executive Director Paul J. Cozza. “Our inclusion in this rotation not only improves our visibility in international trade but also ensures the businesses that rely on us will have that much needed connection to Asia.”
Maersk Line already deploys multiple strings into the Port of Wilmington via its Intra-Americas regional ocean carrier SeaLand. “Our beneficial cargo owners were clamoring for a stable Asia service in this location,” said Chief Commercial Officer, Greg Fennell. “The TP10/Amberjack provides us with greater convenience and enhanced transit times for shippers doing business in Asia.”
The announcement follows the recent return of intermodal rail service to the North Carolina Ports, the completion of the turning basin at the Port of Wilmington and the accommodation of the biggest ship in Authority history. North Carolina’s ports in Wilmington and Morehead City link the state’s consumers, businesses and industry to world markets, and serve as magnets to attract new businesses and industry to North Carolina.
