Maersk Vessels Returns to Port of New Orleans
World’s largest carriers part of 2M Alliance offering two weekly services from New Orleans
Maersk Kotka called the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal on February 9, signalling Maersk Line’s return of vessel service to the Port of New Orleans. The weekly Northern European service is teamed with a weekly Mediterranean service through the 2M Alliance Maersk formed with Mediterranean Shipping Company. Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping Company are the largest- and second-largest container carriers in the world.
At 7,400-TEU, Maersk Kotka is the largest ship in the seven-vessel service.
Port President and CEO Gary LaGrange said, “For the last three years Maersk has offered service to New Orleans customers through slot charter agreements with various carriers. These new services will bolster Maersk’s presence in the port and offer additional options for customers in our highest volume trade routes.”
The new vessels in the Mediterranean-Gulf service are scheduled to begin calling New Orleans on February 15 with the arrival of the 6,200-TEU MSC Zambia. These two 2M services are in addition to MSC’s Caribbean Gulf Service and Central American Express Service.