Posts Tagged “ocean shipping services”
Great White Fleet Corporation (GWF), an ocean carrier specializing in temperature-controlled logistics, has announced a commercial expansion across its Pan-American and European trade networks. The expansion includes the deployment of its 14th active vessel, 2,000 refrigerated containers, and new multimodal routes ahead of the Q4 2026 peak season.
The Chiquita Enterprise is scheduled to enter service in late 2026. To support the expanded fleet, GWF will add 2,000 refrigerated containers to its rotation by December 2026. The units are equipped with Carrier Transicold’s OptimaLine™ technology, which uses atmosphere control to extend the shelf life of commodities including avocados, berries, citrus, grapes, and other produce during long-distance transit.
GWF is launching three transit corridors in October 2026. A new direct train route will connect the U.S. Midwest via the central rail hub of Harvey, Illinois, to Gulfport, Mississippi, for export into Central America. A direct ocean route from Peru to Philadelphia will serve seasonal produce shipments into the U.S. Northeast. A new ocean service will also connect Guayaquil, Ecuador, directly with U.S. and European ports.
“Deploying the Chiquita Enterprise and injecting 2,000 high-spec reefers into our network directly addresses the industry’s demand for reliable, high-precision cold chain capacity,” said Stefano di Paolo, President of Great White Fleet. “We are protecting our clients’ margins by preserving product quality across longer distances. Our aim, after all, is to be First in Fresh!”
“These new ocean and rail connections greatly expand service offerings and improve destination flexibility,” added Simon Cole, Director at GWF. “By linking Chicago directly to Gulfport, and opening faster lanes out of Peru and Ecuador, we are giving global shippers the agility they need in a dynamic supply chain environment.”
Logistics company Crowley has announced a “significant expansion” of ocean shipping services with its first-ever route between the U.S. Northeast and Central America.
Utilizing Crowley’s new, state-of-the-art Avance Class vessels, the five-day transit between the Port of Philadelphia’s Gloucester Marine Terminal and ports in Guatemala and Honduras enables the most timely deliveries of food, apparel, industrial products and consumer goods to and from the Central America Northern Zone, which also includes El Salvador and Nicaragua.
Crowley’s Copán container ship will begin the first voyage on July 3 from Central American to Gloucester City, New Jersey, operated by Gloucester Terminals LLC, a client company of Holt Logistics Corp.
“Customers can count on us to support their growth wherever they operate, including now between Central America and the U.S. Northeast. This best-in-class, non-stop service with our new LNG-powered vessels will deliver the fastest transit times in the market,” said Reinier van Delden, vice president of commercial operations at Crowley Logistics.
“This means less inventory idle time, lower supply chain costs, and longer shelf life for critical products like fresh produce. With significant booking commitments already, we’re excited to bring these vessels to Philadelphia to connect our global customers with access to the regional market using superior, reliable operations provided by Crowley and Gloucester Terminals.”
Powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the best-in-class Avance vessels reflect Crowley’s commitment to the maritime industry’s innovation and environmental efficiency that provide the most effective solutions for customers.
“Marine service is an important pillar of Philadelphia’s economy, and Gloucester Terminals is proud to be a partner with Crowley to accomplish this milestone for U.S-Central America trade,” said Christian Holt, sales representative for Gloucester and Holt.
“This new route creates faster and more efficient pathways connecting Northeast Atlantic business owners to international customers. We are thrilled to partner with Crowley, another generational family-owned business. Together, with over 200 years of dedicated customer service, we focus on creating jobs, driving economic growth, and making a positive impact in the Philadelphia-South Jersey communities.”
The new route between Philadelphia and Central America expands on Crowley’s operations in the Northeast Atlantic, where it has served Puerto Rico, the Eastern Caribbean and the Virgin Islands with a regular container service for more than 70 years.