CMA CGM Callisto at Hamburg

Australasian fruit and vegetable exports are set to benefit from CMA CGM’s decision to upgrade its Round the World Panama Direct service.

The shipping giant has announced the service will depart on a weekly basis from September 2013.

Currently departing fortnightly, CMA CGM Oceania and Indian Ocean lines vice president, Xavier Eiglier, said the upgraded service will offer the fastest transit from Australia and New Zealand to Europe, a “serious advantage” for time sensitive cargo such as fresh produce.

“The upgrade of the Panama Direct service confirms CMA CGM’s intention to meet its customers’ expectation through the provision of an even more reliable service with an extensive coverage and fastest transit times,” Eiglier said.

A total of 15 different markets will be serviced along the trade route, including Australia, New Zealand, Central and South America, North America, the Mediterranean and North Africa.

The service departs from, and terminates in, Tilbury, UK.