Charleston’s connectivity with South America has expanded with the addition of the AMERXL service by CMA CGM, a development that occurred recently. This new fixed-day weekly service connects shippers in the US Southeast with key ports in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile, enhancing the South Carolina Ports Authority’s existing six weekly services to the region.
The AMERXL service is designed to increase refrigerated container capacity for importers bringing in seafood, produce, and flowers from major producing regions. Conversely, US exporters will gain improved access to South American markets for protein and other food products. Greg Tyler, President and CEO of the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, noted that this additional export capacity out of the Port of Charleston creates another gateway for US food and agricultural producers, helping to maintain the competitiveness of US food products globally.
This expansion comes as the population and economic growth across the US Southeast continue to outpace other parts of the country. Micah Mallace, CEO of SC Ports, emphasized the critical need for enhanced cold-chain access for importers in the region due to this growth. The Port of Charleston offers efficient reefer handling services, over 2,000 reefer slots, and extensive cold-storage facilities nearby.
Exporters utilizing the AMERXL service will experience southbound transit times ranging from five to 17 days. The service rotation includes stops at Port Everglades, Philadelphia, New York, Charleston, Cartagena, Guayaquil, Callao, and San Antonio.
