The 4,675 TEU container vessel MSC Rochelle called Port Everglades on 30 September, marking the connection of the major port in Florida with the Far East via a direct container service for the first time since 2011.

The world’s largest box line Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) launched its new Zephyr service this summer with direct weekly connections from northern China and South Korea to the Southeast United States.

The Zephyr service includes a direct call to Port Everglades, which previously had only been offered via transshipment.

The service rotation is Shanghai, Ningbo, Busan, Cristobal, Houston, Port Everglades, Savannah, Lazaro Cardenas, Shanghai.

“Port Everglades is experiencing a surge in cargo coming from new markets throughout the world thanks to MSC and the company’s recognition of the port’s growth potential as we deepen and widen our navigation channels and invest in cranes and other cargo handling infrastructure,” said Port Everglades chief executive and port director, Jonathan Daniels.

Source: Container News