MSC launches Caribbean calls

A NEW service from SA to the Caribbean has just been launched by MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company).
This is a joint service agreement with a major USA carrier, Tropical Shipping, with MSC now being able to offer transhipment via its hub at Freeport in the Bahamas to 27 different destinations in the Caribbean region. This with two direct calls each week to the hub by Tropical vessels.
The service will allow transhipment to Anguilla; Antigua; Barbados; Cayman Islands; Dominica; Dominican Republic; Puerto Plata; Grenada; Haiti; Marsh Harbour; Nassau; Nevis; St Barth; St Croix; St Eustatius; St John; St Kitis; St Lucia (Castries); St Lucia (Vieux Fort); St Maartens; St Thomas; St Vincent; Tortola; Trinidad; Turks and Caicos (Grand Turks); Turks and Caicos (Provincial) and Virgin Gorda.
MSC will use the complete Tropical agency network as its agents at all these Caribbean discharging ports, ensuring a full and immediate coverage of its services.
Initially only full container loads (FCLs) will be accepted, including open top, flatrack and reefer. But, said MSC, LCLs (less than container loads) are being considered as a future part of the service.