May 13 - Horizon Terminal Services has commenced operations in Port Everglades, Florida, USA.
The acquisition of Fast Terminal Corp's Port Everglades facility is part of a larger strategic investment in the Caribbean and Central American markets by ro-ro shipping line Höegh Autoliners, owners of Horizon Terminal Services.
The terminal currently handles mainly used vehicles and equipment but already attracts original equipment manufacturer (OEM) cargoes.
The terminal spans six acres (2.42 ha), with an additional 6 acres available for future growth. This will be the first complete marine terminal and vehicle processing facility that offers comprehensive ocean coverage in the Caribbean and Central America, explained Per Folkesson, president of Horizon Terminals: ''The acquisition of this facility gives Horizon Terminal Services an opportunity to create a complete marine terminal product in Port Everglades and will be the second terminal Horizon Terminal Services operates."
Folkesson added: "Used vehicles and equipment often moves through seaports closest to the sourcing and Florida is a main sourcing market for these segments. Factory new vehicles on the other hand are scattered over a number of seaports, depending on where they find ocean transportation services. We want Port Everglades to be the natural choice also for the OEMs in this region.
"With land available for growth, we now have the chance to tailor make the vehicle processing capabilities at Port Everglades, to our customers' needs. We will therefore approach OEMs with the ambition to develop a joint growth plan for the terminal. Furthermore, we are also in talks with the rail road to route vehicle deliveries through the spurs, running directly up to the terminal entrance."
