ZIM initiates Mexico-Tampa direct service

The new MTX serviceis scheduled to commence on January 29, 2011 and comes just as the port completed the latest phase of its container terminal expansion in January
 
Zim American Integrated Shipping Services Co.
Inc announced it is launching a direct container service between Mexico and the Port of Tampa, Florida.
 
The new weekly shipping service known as Mexico Tampa Express Service (MTX) is scheduled to commence on January 29, 2011, deploying two chartered container vessels of TEU550 and TEU700 capacity.
 
The two vessels will operate on the following rotation: Kingston - Veracruz - Altamira – Tampa - Kingston.
 
The announcement follows the expansion in November of Zim's South America Express service which added new direct connections to Tampa from Brazil and Venezuela. The new MTX service comes just as the port completed the latest phase of its container terminal expansion in January by extending the container gantry crane rails and lengthening the berth from 2100 to 2800 feet.
 
Last March TPA expanded the terminal's paved storage area from 25 to 40 acres and installed an additional 52 outlets for refrigerated containers.                                                                                                 
 
Tampa Port Director Richard Wainiosaid last week: "Having a direct, reliable service in this trade operated by a major global container carrier is huge,"
 
Wainio added that "There is a significant volume of business moving between Mexico and Florida, as well as beyond to markets in the Southeastern U.S. The inclusion of a direct Tampa-Kingston leg will also greatly assist exporters who will see much faster transit times to connect to Zim's global network, including markets in Asia, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean."