Hamburg Süd has announced that it is to launch its own representations in El Salvador and Guatemala from 1 January 2009.

Hamburg Süd Guatemala S.A. will have its head offices located in Guatemala City and will be responsible for all of the group's container shipping activities in the country in the future, alongside long-term partner Transoceanicas which will continue as partner and port agent.

Similarly, Hamburg Süd El Salvador de C.V., which will be headquartered in San Salvador, will be responsible for the German group's activities in El Salvador.

The group is looking to take advantage of growth in the two markets, it said in a statement, while also looking to further improve and strengthen the relations with customers in both countries.