Iceland-based Eimskip, which calls at Halterm Container Terminal Limited at the Port of Halifax, is increasing the number of calls it makes to Halifax.
The new service will begin February 19 when MV Selfoss will join MV Reykjfoss and MV Skogafoss on its “Green Line” route. Originating in Reykjavik, Iceland, the vessel will then travel to Argentia, Newfoundland and Labrador. The next stop will be Halifax before going on to Portland, Maine. This service will also have direct connection with European destinations, including Reykjavik, Immingham (UK), and Rotterdam.
“As a result of this service enhancement, the number of Eimskip calls in Halifax will increase from 13 to 31 calls per year giving our customers additional options for cargo destined for and originating in Europe,” said Jeff Simms, Managing Director, Eimskip Canada Inc. “This is good news for our intra-North American customers as well, and will provide one more channel for Nova Scotia exporters to move goods into the New England states, acting as a feeder service for the 14 other carriers calling Halifax.” To support the expanded service, Eimskip is planning to open a local office in Halifax.
Halterm CEO, Ashley Dinning, said the Company is looking forward to working with Eimskip in the development of a new trade that will significantly extend choice for those shipping lines and shippers requiring networked solutions for New England cargo. “Establishing new services in any market requires commitment and vision, and Halterm is particularly pleased to support its long-term customer, Eimskip, in the development of this new Halifax – Portland connection.”
Working with stakeholders and partners to develop a stronger distribution network in Halifax is a key focus for Halifax Port Authority. “Port partners and stakeholders are working hard to grow cargo activity through the port of Halifax,” said Karen Oldfield, President and CEO, Halifax Port Authority. “This new service enhancement is an excellent example of those efforts paying off. This is good news for the shipper, good news for importers and exporters, and good news for the economy of our region.”
Eimskip employs 1,400, is active in 19 countries and operates 16 vessels. Its fleet capacity is about 5,500 TEUs of regular and reefer containers. The publicly listed company is active in North Atlantic-based liner services (74 per cent of revenues) and forwarding services (24 per cent of revenues). The carrier derives about half of its revenues from activities based in Iceland. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, Eimskip produced net profits of EUR 11.3 million on revenues of EUR 333 million, and enjoyed an 8.4 per cent increase in volumes carries, as compared to the same period of 2013.