CMA CGM and Maersk are set to launch a collaborative service connecting Florida to key destinations in Venezuela, Colombia, and Central America. The joint venture, announced in early November and recently approved by the United States Federal Maritime Commission, is slated to commence operations in January.
The service, named ‘Ceiba Express’ by CMA CGM, will see its inaugural sailing depart from Florida in mid-January, marking the beginning of a new era in shipping connectivity. The route is strategically designed to link major ports, including Port Everglades, Kingston, La Guaira, Puerto Cabello, Cartagena (Colombia), Puerto Cortes, Santo Tomas de Castilla, and Port Everglades.
Operated under a vessel sharing agreement, the loop will complete its circuit in a three-week cycle, utilizing three ships with capacities ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU). CMA CGM’s contributions to the fleet include the CMA CGM PEMBA (2,546 TEU) and MARFRET GUYANE (1,691 TEU), while Maersk will deploy the HANSA SALZBURG (1,732 TEU). The HANSA SALZBURG is scheduled to kick off the service from Port Everglades on January 14.
This strategic collaboration between two major shipping entities reflects a concerted effort to enhance trade connections in the Americas, providing a more efficient and reliable option for cargo transportation between the United States, Venezuela, Colombia, and Central America. The introduction of the Ceiba Express is anticipated to stimulate economic activities in the region and streamline logistics for businesses engaged in cross-border trade. As the global shipping industry continues to evolve, initiatives like these underscore the commitment of key players to adapt and optimize international trade routes for the benefit of economies and industries involved.
