Compania Sudamericana de Vapores (CSAV) of Chile's Usatlan - Sling 1 service connects the U.S. East Coast with the South American Atlantic Coast.
"CSAV is one of the world's oldest and finest shipping companies, so we're honored that this service is returning to Charleston," said Bernard S. Groseclose Jr., president and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority. "It complements their existing business here and translates into more options for Charleston's cargo customers in this north-south trade."
Vessels will call Charleston last port outbound before sailing south to Puerto Cabello (Venezuela) and Brazilian ports. Other ocean carriers providing vessels or riding on the service are Libra, Montemar, Hamburg Sud, Alianca and CP Ships.
The companion weekly service, Usatlan - Sling 2, already serves South America's Atlantic Coast from Charleston, providing advantages to consolidating both slings in Charleston. Forest products are expected to be a key commodity, as well as other U.S. export cargoes due to the quick transit time from Charleston.
Using five vessels, the service will make weekly calls at Charleston's Wando Welch Terminal. The first vessel, the CSAV RIO PUELO, is scheduled to arrive next Tuesday, August 1. Other ships in the service include the CSAV NEW YORK, LIBRA SALVADOR, LIBRA NITEROI and LIBRA CORCOVADO.
CSAV was founded in 1872 and is a publicly traded company. It currently offers service between South American and the rest of the world for general cargo, fresh and frozen product, bulk cargo and vehicles.