Mediterranean Service Change Prompts Maersk Sealand to Eliminate Ports of Halifax & Miami
February 14, 2005
Late this afternoon, the Halifax Port Authority was informed by Maersk Canada President, David Cardin, that in consolidating Mediterranean services, two ports-of-call will be eliminated from their North American East Coast Services - Halifax and Miami. This change will take effect in May 2005.
"Shipping lines frequently re-evaluate services which underscores the importance of the work Halifax has been doing with stakeholders to ensure our long-term competitiveness. The Port of Halifax currently serves 18 shipping lines, Maersk being the eighth largest in 2004 . Our top priority will be to continue to work to retain, diversify and attract new business," said Patricia McDermott, Vice President, Marketing, Halifax Port Authority. "Maersk operates in a global marketplace and their decision is directly tied to their higher operating costs and vessel charter rates in serving Mediterranean ports. In addition, we have been assured that Maersk is interested in continuing to work with Halifax on future opportunities."
Maersk Sealand began calling the Port of Halifax in 1988.
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For more information please contact:
Michele PeverilManager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
Halifax Port Authority
Telephone: 902.426.1060
Cell: 902.229.3236
E-mail: mpeveril@portofhalifax.ca
