Port Tampa Bay welcomed its largest-ever container ship on June 13, 2019 when the CMA CGM DALILA made its maiden call at the Ports America Terminal.
The call also marks the beginning of a new weekly service that will connect the Port with Asia, which officials believe will increase the competitiveness of the region’s exporters and importers.
According to a statement, CMA CGM’s route will link the port, situated in Florida’s fastest-growing region and largest consumer market to critical Asian shipping lanes, in particular, Vietnam.
Port customers, local officials, and business leaders will gather today at The Ports America Terminal to celebrate the inaugural call of the CMA CGM DALILA. https://t.co/mUM5xs1mxu
— Port Tampa Bay (@PortTampaBay) June 13, 2019
Port Tampa Bay’s position on the eastern Gulf coast complements PEX3 port calls at the western and central ports of Houston, New Orleans, and Mobile.
A recent Port Technology technical paper explored the industry's journey towards zero-emission shipping
By passing through the Panama Canal, the service has the advantages of the all-water route between Asia and the Gulf.
Paul Anderson, Port Tampa Bay President and CEO welcomed the arrival of the CMA CGM DALILA: We are delighted to welcome CMA CGM to the Port Tampa Bay family.
“This is a further testament to the growth of the U.S. Gulf market and the significance of the Tampa Bay/I-4 corridor. This area is home to the state's largest concentration of distribution centers and is now the heartbeat of Florida's international trade.”
Ludovic Renou, President of CMA CGM America also commented: “The PEX3 offers an outstanding service to and from Asia, and now shippers and customers in Central Florida will have enhanced access to it. By adding Tampa to the PEX3, we demonstrate an agility that is a hallmark of the customer-centric approach we bring to all aspects of our business.”
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