MSC deploys two additional Cherry Express service vessels

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, one of the world's leading container shipping lines, introduces an express delivery service for cherry and fresh fruits cargo from Chile to Asia from 18 November 2020. MSC will also deploy two more vessels exclusively for 49 and 51 weeks to reinforce the express service offering.

The Cherry Express service will connect Asia and the west coast of Latin America to operate as a joint carrier agreement. This connection will link Valparaiso, Chile with a rapid transit time to Hong Kong in 23 days. Shipments will arrive in Nansha in 25 days and in Shanghai in 26 days, via transshipment from Hong Kong.

To complement the regular Cherry Express service, the two more fast shipping vessels will sail on different days from the regular schedule for 49 and 51 weeks. This will allow customers more flexibility during loading. Both additional vessels will also provide direct connections to several different ports in Greater China, offering customers more choice in terms of destination ports.

MSC strives to meet the needs of its customers and offers an additional service through its tie-up with MEDLOG. This service allows fruit exporters in Chile to rely on MEDLOG in providing sanitized containers as a safety measure against COVID-19.

Pikkei Yuen, Inbound Sales Manager, MSC Hong Kong/South PRC/Taiwan shared that cherries have become an increasingly popular fruit in China as the spending power of consumers across the country rises. “Furthermore, the timing of the Cherry Express leads up nicely to the Chinese New Year. Red Chilean cherries are especially popular during this period with consumers as the red fruit symbolizes prosperity and fortune,” she added.

Chile is the one of the largest suppliers of cherries to China, with a cherry season in Chile from November to January. For the 2020-2021 season, the ASOEX (Fruit Exporters Association of Chile) Cherry Committee estimates export growth of 36%, which translates to approximately 15,500 container loads of cherries.

Mediterranean Shipping Company is one of the global leaders in shipping and logistics. MSC has access to an integrated network of road, rail and sea transport resources and operates 493 offices across 155 countries with more than 70,000 employees.

More information on company’s website.