European shipping co. to bring more cargo through port

A European shipping company has agreed to bring more containerized cargo to the Port of New Orleans.

Mediterranean Shipping Co. said that it will immediately open a direct shipping line between New Orleans and docks on the west coast of South America, adding one vessel call per week to the port's container terminal at the foot of Napoleon Avenue. MSC already brings two ships per week to Napoleon Avenue from wharves on the east coast of South America and in Europe. The new service is "a coup" that will bring New Orleans more business from a major shipper, said Conrad Appel, a former chairman of the Dock Board of the Port of New Orleans who advises GNO Inc. on maritime issues. "What this means is that New Orleans can be considered a blooming but potentially major player in the container ship trade," Appel said. "It demonstrates their confidence in the Port of New Orleans as a gateway." MSC's decision follows news that the company forged a partnership with Ceres Gulf Inc., one of two stevedores that operate the Napoleon Avenue terminal. Joined under the banner New Orleans Terminals, MSC and Ceres Gulf soon will begin operating half of the terminal. Upon announcing the partnership last year, port officials promised the arrangement would result in more containerized cargo from MSC. Cargo volumes at the terminal have grown in recent years. Data shows that the port handled 250,649 TEUs last year, up more than 42 percent from 2006.

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