APM Terminals (APMT) has boosted its Latin American portfolio with the welcoming of new services.
This week saw the first call of the new SA8 service at APM Terminals Quetzal (Guatemala) and Terminal de Contenedores de Buenaventura (TCBUEN) (Colombia).
The 254-metre long YM ENLIGHTENMENT made the service’s maiden calls at the terminals.
Using 4,000 TEU vessels, the service increases frequency on Far East – West Coast of Latin America routes.
The new SA8 service is jointly operated by Yang Ming, WAN HAI LINES LTD. and Pacific International Lines Pte Ltd (PIL).
A fleet of eight 2,400-3,700 TEU vessels will be deployed on the weekly service. Calling the ports of Ningbo – Shanghai – Qingdao – Pusan – Manzanillo – Lazaro Cardenas – Puerto Quetzal – Buenaventura – Valparaiso and Ningbo, a round trip will take 70 days.
APM Terminals said its Quetzal terminal can enable larger volumes to be deployed on each call and allow customers to use the capacity of their vessels on the transpacific routes.
Gabriel Enrique Corrales, Managing Director of APM Terminals Latin American Regions, commented: “APM Terminals Quetzal is the only terminal between the port of Lázaro Cardenas in México, and the Panama Canal, on the west coast of Central America.
“It is also the only terminal in Guatemala capable of handling 10,000 TEU vessels due to its 14.5 metre draft.”
The new SA8 service joins Yang Ming’s existing SA6 service.
Last month also saw the first call at APM Terminals Quetzal of the fortnightly WSA6/ACSA5 service.
Earlier this week the ZHONG GU JI LIN with a length of 283 meters and a capacity of 4,389 TEU made its maiden call at APM Terminals Lázaro Cárdenas.
Operated by Transfar Shipping, this is part of a twice monthly service via APM Terminals Lázaro Cárdenas, connecting the Pacific with markets in North America and Asia.
“The start of operations of this shipping line is the result of a collaborative effort between partners in the logistics chain as demonstrates the preference and trust placed in the Port of Lázaro Cárdenas as an option and gateway in the international maritime market,” said John Sánchez, Commercial Director of APM Terminals Lázaro Cárdenas.
