BBC Chartering has entered a strategic cooperation with Seaboard Marine to improve its services between the US Gulf Coast, Jamaica and ports in Ecuador, Peru and Chile.
The new service - marketed as the Andino Service - will begin as early as November 2018. At least five vessels will operate on the joint service, says BBC.
The Germany-headquartered shipping line added that the space sharing arrangement will provide shippers with higher frequency services and increased capacity, as well as more choice and flexibility.
“Seaboard Marine is excited to enter into this strategic cooperation with BBC. The new arrangements will help ensure a high level of service for shippers on all routes between the west coast of South America and the US Gulf Coast,” said Edward Gonzalez, president, and ceo of Florida-headquartered Seaboard Marine.
According to the company's website, the BBC Andino Express Line was launched in April 2005 to accommodate the increasing demand for transporting breakbulk, heavy lift and project cargo to the West Coast of South America. The service operates round trip from the US Gulf to Ecuador, Peru and Chile every 14 days and plays a major role in the development of the construction and mining industries. The dedicated vessels range in size from 10,000 dwt to 17,000 dwt, and with lifting capabilities of up to 240 tonnes, call at base ports and most other ports on inducement basis.
