Latin America’s largest shipping company moves service to Charleston

Latin America’s largest shipping company is moving a service it currently offers from the east coast of South America to the Port of Charleston, beginning Tuesday.

The decision by Compañía Sudamericana de Vapores of Chile will bring 52 additional vessel calls annually to the port, and with them the promise of substantially more business for the waterfront, said Byron Miller, spokesman for the South Carolina State Ports Authority.

SPA President and CEO Bernard S. Groseclose Jr. said the new service “complements their existing business here and translates into more options for Charleston’s cargo customers in this north-south trade.”

The companion weekly service, “Usatlan—Sling 2,” already serves South America’s Atlantic Coast from Charleston, providing advantages to consolidating both slings in Charleston.

Vessels involved in the expanded service will call on Charleston’s Wando Welch terminal before sailing south to Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, and Brazilian ports. Other ocean carriers providing vessels or riding on the service are Libra, Montemar, Hamburg Sud, Alianca and CP Ships.

CSAV was founded in 1872 and is a publicly traded company. It currently offers service between South America and the rest of the world for general cargo, fresh and frozen produce, bulk cargo and vehicles.

Forest products are expected to be a key commodity in the enhanced trade due to the quick transit time from Charleston, Miller said.