Maritime News

Hoegh to export 5,000 U.S.-made BMWs through Charleston

Professional Mariner Staff
The following is the text of a press release from the South Carolina State Ports Authority:
 
(CHARLESTON, S.C.) — Höegh Autoliners, one of the world’s largest operators in the rolling stock and vehicle transportation segment, has added the Port of Charleston to its Middle East service, bringing two ship calls a month.

The first vessel, the Höegh Bangkok, is scheduled to arrive at the Union Pier Terminal on January 29 to load export BMWs made at the manufacturer’s South Carolina plant. “Höegh is a highly respected name in the international shipping industry,†said Jim Newsome, president & CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA). “The entire maritime community is pleased to welcome Höegh back to the Port of Charleston.â€

Importantly, this is new business for the Port of Charleston. The service is expected to load more than 5,000 vehicles annually that Höegh previously moved across a competing South Atlantic port.

“This is good news for waterfront workers and businesses,†said Newsome, “and it means more cost effective service for our customers.â€

Höegh’s Middle East service offers extensive port coverage, reaching from Mediterranean ports, into the Red Sea and to the Persian Gulf and India. Transshipment onto other Höegh vessels affords access into other ports in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Höegh operates approximately 70 vessels across the globe, managed from a worldwide network of 31 offices in four regions. Its customers include global manufacturers of new cars, heavy machinery and rolling goods. Each year, Höegh Autoliners carries approximately two million car equivalent units (CEUs) and makes about 3,000 port calls.

About the South Carolina State Ports Authority

The South Carolina State Ports Authority, established by the state’s General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston and Georgetown, handling international commerce valued at more than $62 billion annually and receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy. An economic development engine for the state, port operations facilitate 260,800 jobs across South Carolina and nearly $45 billion in economic activity each year.
By Professional Mariner Staff