Port Canaveral expands cargo business with new international container service

Written by Marine Log Staff

Port Canaveral’s mobile harbor crane offloads a container from the M/V Whale Orca as part of a new international container service [Photo: Canaveral Port Authority]

Port Canaveral today announced a new bi-monthly international container service that connects Central Florida with key markets in Mexico and the U.S. Northeast as a result of a new partnership formed between Green Tide Logistics, a maritime logistics company focused on U.S.-Mexico trade, and Canaveral Cargo Terminal Operator (CCT) GT USA.

“Expanding our cargo business is important for Port Canaveral as we continue to strengthen our position as a global gateway for critical commodities for Central Florida,” said Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO. “This new partnership enhances supply chain connectivity, creates new opportunities for our cargo customers and reinforces our commitment to delivering efficient, flexible and customer-focused cargo solutions.”

The service aligns with the port’s ongoing strategy to diversify its cargo portfolio, expand international trade opportunities and provide customers with efficient and reliable supply chain solutions. The new service is expected to be on a bi-monthly basis with opportunities to scale frequency based on market demand. GT USA will serve as terminal operator and stevedore for the new service with Norton Lilly as vessel agent.

Each call is projected to bring between 80 and 120 import containers carrying an array of commodities from Mexico, including electronics, refrigerated cargo, fresh produce and other food products. Export opportunities are also being actively developed as the service matures.

The new service debuted earlier this month with the inaugural call of the M/V Whale Orca at Port Canaveral’s North Cargo Berth 6 where a shipment of electronics and food items was offloaded using the port’s heavy-lift mobile harbor crane.

Representatives from Port Canaveral, Green Tide Logistics, GT USA and vessel agent Norton Lilly International participated in a traditional maritime plaque exchange ceremony with the ship’s captain in recognition of the vessel’s inaugural call.